Conversations: Jeanne Akita
Fiber Artist
We explore the creative world of Jeanne Akita, Illusions Lab, an artist whose work is deeply inspired by the natural world and its mesmerizing shapes and textures. With a foundation in painting, Akita transitioned to the ancient and sustainable technique of felting, captivated by its simplicity and purity. Using natural fibers like Merino wool and Tussah silk, she combines elements of sculpture and painting to create unique, three-dimensional pieces that are as much a tactile experience as they are a visual one. Through a meticulous process of hand-felting, dyeing, and brush painting, each piece reflects a harmonious blend of nature, art, and philosophy. As [Artist's Name] continues to evolve in this medium, we discuss their artistic journey, the evolution of their work, and their vision for the future.
Tell us about your work:
Inspired by nature's mesmerizing shapes and textures, I draw my creative inspiration from the union of art and philosophy. My journey as an artist began with a deep fascination for the ancient technique of felting. The simplicity and purity of the process captivated me—using nothing more than my hands, water, soap, and carefully selected sustainable fibers like Merino wool and Tussah silk, I found a way to create art that is both environmentally friendly and deeply personal.
In my work, I strive to create something that has never existed before, pushing the boundaries of what art can be. I approach each piece as a three-dimensional sculpture, paying meticulous attention to every detail. My dedication ensures that each creation is not only visually stunning but also rich in texture and depth. I've also embraced shibori dye and brush painting techniques, adding vibrant colors and intricate patterns that breathe life into my work. Each piece I create is a labor of love, born from my hands and inspired by the natural world. Through my art, I aim to forge a connection to nature and reflect the inner peace it brings. My story is one of dedication to sustainable practices, a love for natural materials, and a passion for creating art that is both beautiful and meaningful.
How did you first get into felting as a medium?
I first got into felting through a deep curiosity and fascination with its simplicity and purity. Before discovering felting, I worked with oil, acrylic, and pastel painting, which gave me a strong foundation in artistic techniques. Felting appealed to me because it fuses several mediums, blending painting and sculpting into one art form. This combination offers limitless creative opportunities, allowing me to explore new textures, shapes, and forms in my work. The ancient technique of felting not only aligns with my passion for sustainability but also provides a versatile platform for my artistic expression.
What is your process for conceptualization and execution?
My process for conceptualizing and executing a fiber art piece begins with drawing inspiration from nature, art, music, space photography series, and more, which I fuse in my mind to create the initial idea. I then select high-quality, sustainable materials such as sheep wool, silk, cotton, flax, baby camel, and other natural, hand-selected fibers. I develop the design through sketches and carefully plan the composition before meticulously hand-felting the fibers to build texture and structure. Final touches include adding vibrant colors and intricate patterns using shibori dye and brush painting techniques. The finished piece is then carefully assessed for display options to ensure it aligns with my artistic vision.
How has your art evolved over time?
My art has evolved significantly over time. Initially, I focused on creating wearable art, where functionality and aesthetics were key. As I delved deeper into the medium, I transitioned to creating decorative pieces, which allowed me to explore more sculptural forms and intricate details. This evolution led me to experiment with more sophisticated textures and challenging shapes, pushing the boundaries of my creativity. Each phase of this journey has enriched my approach, enabling me to craft art that is not only visually captivating but also deeply textured and sculpturally innovative.
What is your vision for your future in this medium?
Looking ahead, my vision for the future in this medium involves continuing to push the boundaries of felting by exploring new techniques and expanding the scale of my work. I’m excited to delve deeper into the fusion of fiber art with other mediums, potentially incorporating elements of mixed media to enhance texture and depth. I also aspire to experiment with larger installations that create immersive experiences, blending my sculptural approach with innovative display methods. Additionally, I hope to collaborate with other artists and explore cross-disciplinary projects that challenge and inspire new ways of thinking about fiber art.
My primary platform is my website, www.illulab.com, where visitors can view my portfolio, learn about my process, and make purchases or commission inquiries. I also actively engage with my audience on Instagram @illusionslab and Facebook @illulab, sharing updates, behind-the-scenes content from my studio and festivals, and showcasing new pieces. Additionally, I participate in art festivals and exhibitions, offering opportunities for people to see my work in person and connect with me directly. I warmly invite you to visit me at these festivals and exhibitions to experience my art up close. The schedule of my shows and festivals is available on my website.
