Valerie-Anne Evans

My first memories of crafting are sitting on the Red Sea water’s edge in Ras Gemsa, Egypt with a local fisherman who showed me how to make a miniature woven basket. In my eyes, it was perfect! Living in Malaysia, Africa, the Middle East and Sussex has inspired my designs. The vibrant colours of these regions reflect in my designs. Today I find my inspiration from the beautiful countryside that surrounds our Hailsham studio.

As a young child, growing up in Jos, Nigeria, my mother encouraged me to paint. Although I haven’t had any formal training as such, I have been fascinated by painting and making ever since.

I came across felt craft by accident and fell in love with the process of both sculpturing and painting with wool. I am mostly self-taught and love being able to experiment with this fascinating medium. Presently, I work in both 2 and 3 dimensional art. Enjoying the processes of both painting and sculpturing wool. Mostly with Merino wool, known for its exceptionally fine fibres, which make it one of the softest wool available.

For me, it is important that my clients enjoy both my art and my teaching and to work with natural materials

Whilst Felted textile art has become my main medium, I also design and create jewellery and candle making.

I have been fortunate to have taught and exhibited within the UK, Europe and the Middle East. My teaching in Sussex has been for City College, Brighton and Hove and Aspire Sussex as well as private classes in my studio, having formalised my teaching with a degree from Brighton University. I believe that my students’ enjoyment and achievements are central to my teaching and a successful workshop.