In our fast-paced world, we mustn't be afraid to still be human and work with our hands at a calmer pace
Exploring the creative process behind an artist’s work offers a glimpse into the unique ways they connect with materials, emotions, and the world around them.
For Penny Dixon, textile art is both a craft and a mindful practice—one that embraces patience, connection, and the tactile beauty of handmade felt. With a background in fashion, community art, and wellbeing, she explores themes of change, loss, and the uplifting power of nature. Her work pushes the boundaries of feltmaking, from painterly textures to intricate 3D forms. In this interview, she shares insights on the “slow revolution” of working with her hands, the emotional depth behind her art, and her fascination with transforming raw wool into sculptural pieces inspired by nature’s hidden treasures.
LSA: What initially drew you to textile art, and how has your work evolved over the past 18 years?
I have always fiddled about with paper, fabric scissors and stitch since a very young age. All these things were available in my household as well an electric sewing machine which I taught myself how to use. I guess I didn’t realise that textiles was an art form in its own right. As I went to a very academic school and, also loving drawing and painting I studied art for many years too. I went on to do a fashion degree and then became a community artist. It was 18 years ago that I rediscovered feltmaking and realised that all my skills crossed over to this art form. I have developed this, going from painterly, flat felt to pushing the boundaries of the medium and using my 3-D skills too.
LSA: You’ve described handmade felt as part of a “slow revolution”. Could you share what this means to you and how it ties into your creative process?
Stepping away from reality into a magical and mythical world, I’ve still love fairytales… always those traditional stories with a darker side.
LSA: Do you find that certain stories or historical periods inspire you more than others?
Yes, I also have a background in wellbeing and therapy. The use of art is well known for its calming influence on us all and can help address many mental health issues. Although I find technology useful, to me it means putting away the tech and slowing right down. Participating in art means being in the moment and the time of ‘flow’ is very important. What I mean is that in our fast paced world we mustn’t be afraid to still be human and work with our hands at a calmer pace.
LSA: What does being a member of the Heritage Crafts Association and the International Feltmakers Association mean to you personally and in your career? How has it influenced you as an artist?
It means that I have connections with other like-minded people. It feels as though my craft is recognised, particulaly worldwide. And here is the amazing side of technology that I can chat to someone from Australia about felting!
LSA: Your work often explores themes of loss and the uplifting power of nature. How do you approach translating these emotional themes into tangible artworks?
I think as artists a lot of us have our own thought processes when we work anyway. We are all unique so have our own life experiences. Unless you read about the artist when you look at an artwork you usually put your own personal interpretation to it anyway. I worked in bereavement services for many years and I learned that loss is also about change. Births, deaths, job changes, house moves, marriage, divorce, friendship changes – It is our acceptance of these changes that is important and we have to give time to them.
I have a scientific side to me too and I know it is the microbes in the air when I refer to the uplifting power of nature, but nothing beats that feeling of being by the sea or in a forest and you feel your shoulders drop and you breathe properly. Being a strongly visual person too I feel as though my mind is taking mental pictures of colours and textures as well.
LSA: Are there any upcoming projects or themes you’re particularly excited to explore in your art?
Everything! I am fascinated by so many things. Currently I would like to explore geodes and rock formations and love the idea of such a hard substance being translated into a soft wool. The idea of a tough, grey substance being smashed open and having sparkly gems inside is such a surprise. I also love the idea of creating small worlds within these rocks and am looking forward to exploring these ideas.
