Elena Kyriakarakou

Sheepcount

Felt maker

©Alexandra Stamopoulou

©VX Studio Vanias Xydas

©Alexandra Stamopoulou

Creative designs with nuno felting

Elena uses felting, nuno felting and advanced felting techniques
Nuno felting is an entirely natural process where only soap and hot water are needed
Her first creation, a scarf, holds a prominent place in her workshop

Elena Kyriakarakou discovered nuno felting in an art workshop and was immediately fascinated. She learned everything she could about it through masterclasses around Europe as this craft was unknown in Greece. She started experimenting with the art of felting and nuno felting in 2010. In this same year she took part in a group exhibition with other artisans. After a first career as a civil engineer, Elena chose to step out of her comfort zone and give space to her artistic expression. “This craft makes me extremely happy. It gives me a unique sense of fulfillment and pride,” she says. Nuno felting, which forms the main body of her work, came as an evolution from felting to create finer fabrics decorated with wool. Elena's collaboration with Zeus + Dione has been one of her career highlights, as was her work with the great designer of the brand Mario Schwab with whom she explored how her art could bolster his vision.

Interview

Alexandra Stamopoulou©VX Studio Vanias Xydas

©Emmanouela Kyriakopoulou

What is the nuno felting technique?: With this technique, wool fibres penetrate the weave and as the wool shrinks the two materials become one. When the process is complete, folds are created in the fabric in which the wool nestles. The process of integrating wool into fabric is handmade in all its stages, completely natural and environmentally friendly. It requires nothing more than soap and warm water.
How is your craft connected with the region where you live?: I could not have a more suitable environment for my art than the environment in which I live and create, that is, next to the sea, in a pine forest. The elements of nature are in direct contact with the completely natural art of nuno felting.
How would you describe what you do?: Magic. Αfter years of practice, I am still in awe of the incredible art of nuno felting. The magical work of hands, water and soap brings together materials that were previously separate entities and makes them one. I am fascinated by the birth of this new fabric that is created with such natural rhythms and such respect for the environment.
What do you love most about your craft?: I like the immediacy of thinking about something and then going to the workshop and creating it; the deep meditative concentration during planning and implementation; the creation that constantly gives birth to the next idea; the fact that my creations are stylistic choices for an audience that appreciates and invests in fair fashion.

Elena Kyriakarakou is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2011