Feltwest members have been admiring Katia Mokeyeva’s work for some time, and some have participated in her on-line courses, so Katia’s visit to Perth was keenly anticipated, and we were not disappointed!
Katia gave a talk about her work at Craft House on the Thursday evening, and brought along some of her stunning garments from the 2017 exhibition, Sea State at the DHG Gallery in Prato, Italy where she worked in collaboration with Fiona Duthie. Images from Katia and Fiona’s earlier 2015 Sea State exhibition in Newcastle, Australia were also shown.
Katia talked about the inspiration from nature and the ocean that influence her work and creative process. This presentation was very much enjoyed by the 25+ people in attendance, and served as a wonderful introduction to the workshop that was to follow over the next 3 days.
Twelve lucky Feltwest members participated in the three day workshop. Katia explained how natural plant fibres can be incorporated into felt to give stretch to felt garments, and to create rich textural surface designs. Three sample pieces were made in the workshop to demonstrate these qualities, and Katia generously shared her ‘cucumber’ design and method for creating her amazing felt shell pattern.  
  
The use of plant fibres such as Bamboo and Ramie in Katia’s felting techniques was enlightening and created new possibilities for textural surfaces. 
The workshop was given an enthusiastic top rating by the participants, who were expertly led through new ways of working and the creative use of different materials. Everyone commented on Katia’s warmth, patience and generosity. Thank you Katia for a wonderful and inspiring workshop.
