Meet the Artist

My experience of art at school left me with the impression that creativity belonged to those who could draw or paint in a particular way. Although I had always found pleasure in making things by hand, and music had long been an important part of my life, I never imagined that I would one day call myself an artist.

Everything changed in 2019 when a friend introduced me to felting. I had never encountered the medium before, yet from the moment I began working with wool I felt an immediate connection. Unlike the rigid expectations I had experienced previously, felting offered complete freedom of expression under the inspiring tuition of Steffi Stern. It reminded me that art is not about replicating another person's vision, but about discovering and trusting your own.

My inspiration has always come from the natural world. I have felt a profound connection with wildlife for as long as I can remember. At home, we are fortunate to share our surroundings with pheasants, partridges, rabbits, hedgehogs, moorhens and countless other visitors whose daily presence brings a sense of peace and quiet joy.

Nature is simultaneously beautiful and unforgiving. Rather than attempting to portray every aspect of its complexity, I seek to preserve a single, fleeting moment—a glance exchanged with a wild animal, the character revealed through its eyes, or the changing quality of light across a landscape. These are the moments that often linger longest in our memories.

Working with wool makes me feel intrinsically connected to the subjects I create. The tactile nature of natural fibres, their warmth, texture and subtle variation, allows me to build depth and character in a way that feels uniquely sympathetic to fur, feathers and the landscapes that inspire me. The creative process itself is deeply sensory and remains one of the greatest joys.

My hope is that each piece invites a moment of stillness. I do not wish to dictate how my work should be interpreted; instead, I hope it encourages each viewer to form their own personal connection, whether that evokes peace, nostalgia, curiosity or simply an opportunity to pause amidst the pace of everyday life.

Anita E. Stephens