How did you get into felt making?
I have developed this art for more than 35 years. I started by studying textile design in Akureyri, my home town, where I now run my own workshop and gallery. Then I went to Denmark to study leatherwork and sculptural felt making for one year.
What's your working process?
All my work is hand felted from Icelandic wool with soap and water. I use only my hands and no machine. When the work is ready and I am satisfied with it, I use a method to stiffen it, in order for it to hold the proper shape.
© Anna Gunnarsdottir
What inspires your work?
The shell form in various sizes, which I develop all the way from a small brooch or a lamp right up to a big sea shell. I have been developing this shell form for more than 20 years, and it is very close to my heart. Sometimes I use fish line, wire, willow and stones for extra decoration.
Can you describe a memorable moment in your career?
It was a few years ago, at the opening of my first solo exhibition called If I Were an Angel. A little girl came up to me and told me that she saw angels sitting on my work. It was an unforgettable moment.