Sanctuary

I am presently investigating what it is like to be a refugee living between places. Modern refugees are people leaving their countries, for various reasons, such as armed conflict, environmental disasters, and economic reasons. They are searching for safety for their families, but often are trapped in states of limbo, where they cannot access basic resources and human rights. 

Currently, I am experimenting with needle felting, which is a process of making raw wool into sculpture. The raw wool is fluffy and light, which becomes stiff when worked-up. I use this technique to create miniature sculptures of human figures and use them as the main characters of refugee narratives. Traditionally, felting is women’s work. However, I use this art form in unexpected ways: what is usually used for delightful characters is instead a medium to communicate the shocking realities of the refugee crisis.