Evelyne Alice Bridier

Felt maker

©Gilles Leimdorfer

Artistically felted

Evelyne works with felted merino wool
She makes felt sculptures for accessories such as necklaces, amulets and scarves
She takes her cues from artists like Picasso and Delaunay

Evelyne Alice Bridier was always fascinated by arts and crafts, exploring new techniques in her spare time, catching the attention of book editors. Her transition from graphic designer to artisan crafter was sparked by the discovery of felted wool at a Swiss Christmas market. Immediately taken by its tactile appeal, she trained under felting master Christina Zofall-Wilson in France. Immersed in the rich history of felt, dating back to the Neolithic period, Evelyne's creations such as sculptures or broaches, necklaces and amulets pay homage to this timeless tradition. Each meticulously crafted piece celebrates the enduring beauty and versatility of felted wool, celebrating ancient cultures and their crafts, from the nomadic yurts of Mongolia and amulet-making on the African continent, to the contemporary ateliers of France.

Interview

©Gilles Leimdorfer

©Gilles Leimdorfer

How would you define what you do?: One could define what I do as sculpture. But instead of working with stone, wood or clay, I sculpt with wool. I also create miniature porcelain sculptures, some of which I occasionally incorporate into my felted jewellery.
What do you love the most about your work?: I love challenging tradition by using this material to tell contemporary stories. Tradition and innovation perfectly define my work. Millennia-old tradition, irreplaceable ancestral gestures, dialogue with noble animal fibres… But also inspiration rooted in modernity.
What do people not know about the craft of felting?: In felting, there is the captivating process of working sheep's wool meticulously, transforming it into a dense material through soaking and rubbing. Each session is an intense interaction, starting gently and ending with vigorous fulling, akin to a communion with nature.
What has been the proudest moment of your career?: One of the most memorable moments in my journey was not about personal success but rather the addition of felting to the official list of Artisan Trades in December 2015. It marked the culmination of years of hard work as president of the Textile Art Felt association, ensuring recognition for the profession for future generations.

Evelyne Alice Bridier is a master artisan: she began her career in 2000 and she started teaching in 2011