Q & A with Hold Us Tight artist Jill Reedy

A detail of Jill Reedy’s piece titled In The Meadow depicting a mother and baby lamb crafted from felt. Text over the top of the image reads “I hope people think about the bond between the mother and baby. I also hope they get a feeling of peace.”

Tell us a bit about your Creative Practice (how do you conceptualize your work? Where do you find inspiration? What kinds of materials do you like to use?)

I find most of my inspiration from nature. In most of my work either animals or scenes are depicted using the process of needle felting wool roving. I began my journey with this media almost two years ago and it seems like I learn something new each time I begin a new piece.

What drew you to the concept of Hold Us Tight?

I thought this particular piece would work well for your Hold Me Tight title as it depicts the mother and baby lamb. It signifies the basic of all relationships. As a mother myself I feel that this relationship between parent and child, when handled with care and love is one both the parent and child in their highest hopes, wish for each to love each other no matter what.

Tell us about your work with this exhibition. We're displaying "In The Meadow", a piece you created from felt, featuring a mother and baby sheep. What do you hope viewers experience while looking at this piece? Why do you like to work with felt? (etc)

 I hope people think about the bond between the mother and baby. I also hope they get a feeling of peace. I love the process of needle felting as I start with “wool fluff” and can take it all the way to a stand up sculpture. I love seeing the transformation!