Sheila Thompson

I began my fibre art practice in Toronto 15 years ago to connect with my education and experience in ecology; now I am a fulltime artist with a studio in Guelph. I use the transformative process of wet felting to explore visual interpretations of newsfeeds and data about ecological or environmental impacts. Each topographic map in my Habitat 2050 series tells an eco-inspired story and imagines a future when nature regains control and humans ask what they can do to create a more harmonious world. Textiles designed from my photos celebrate overlooked eco-phenomena such as fungi, lichen, and the patterns of insect trails and bark. The collection of bold felted lab flasks pays tribute to women in science. My process is like building a house and decorating it at the same time. Each layer of wool, paper and silk contributes structure, colour and texture. Final hand molding develops relief and form. Watch for my process photos on Instagram - see my shop on my website for new work and flasks.