Suzy Gammill Artist Statement: I have a passion for both needle and wet felting and all things fiber. The amazing flexibility of wool fiber as a medium never ceases to amaze me. When I create a 2D needle felted painting I use and blend the wool as a painter uses their paint and my needle as the brush. Wool can be coaxed into a solid 3D needle felted sculpture. By using soap, water, and agitation I can mold a sturdy bowl, or create a soft, flowing garment.  Felting has been around for thousands of years in a utilitarian fashion, to make a yurt, or clothing, only in the past few decades has it transformed from a utilitarian craft of necessity to a contemporary fine craft allowing us to demonstrate the amazing qualities the fiber holds. I was raised surrounded by art in many forms. My family is full of exceptionally talented artists and our household growing up was a riot of color and texture. My father, an advertising executive and accomplished sculptor and painter, shared his passion for art with his children as did my mother, a docent at several museums. I was educated at a time when art was still a mandatory part of the curriculum in schools.  However, you might say my “art education” is more by osmosis and trial and error than formal education. Over the years I have tried my hand at a variety of different mediums but never found real joy until I was introduced to wool fiber as a medium for my artistic endeavors.  Much of my work reflects the deep love I have for nature. I am inspired daily by our beautiful state and the amazing flora and fauna that, like me, call Oklahoma home. Living in rural Oklahoma I have a front row seat to the unbelievably vibrant colors of nature whether it be the pinks and purples of a sunrise or the flicker of red and yellow on the wing of a blackbird. I strive to capture that feeling of “the beauty of home” in my art.