Emese Hall

Wool for Wellbeing

Emese Hall – University of Exeter, UK

Abstract:

This workshop is connected to my presentation: Soul Dusting: A/r/tographic Reflections on Art and Art Education for Wellbeing. Wool is one of my biggest passions, and engaging with woollen yarn and fibres brings me a great deal of pleasure – indeed, it is my self-directed therapy. A long-time crochet enthusiast, I have recently been developing my knowledge and skills in the exciting craft of needle felting. Importantly, I care deeply that wool is a typically underrated fibre with a great deal of creative potential. At some point in the future, it is my aspiration to create a research-led network centred on wool: LAINE – learning, advocacy and activism, innovation, networking, and environmental sustainability. Fusing ideas and activities shared in wool-themed workshops I have offered elsewhere, here I will be inviting participants to explore different types of wool and make something beautiful and meaningful to take away. The workshop is designed to bring joy and spark creative ideas for working with wool as artists, researchers and teachers.