Marjolein Dallinga

“Feel the fear and do it anyway – is an underlying emotional energy which urges me to create forms with wool. It is not a visual or intellectual motivation but more a gut feeling.” Marjolein Dallinga

Dutch-Canadian artist Marjolein Dallinga trained as a graphic artist and painter at Minerva Academy, Groningen, Holland. She found herself more charmed by craft work however, particularly textiles and felt. Marjolein built up her techniques through felting toys and accessories such as handbags and mittens and was soon encouraged to teach others the art of felting.

Through the process of trial-and-error and experimenting with wet felting, slicing and shirbori methods, her work became an expression of her subconscious and fascination with the natural world. Dallinga frequently finds her dreams are full of vibrant colours, deep shapes and surreal mysterious forms. Many felt makers find the world, and all its nature, sources of great inspiration- particularly for Marjolein, its sounds, feelings, textures and forms. An important aspect of her work is that she veers away from conventional, well-known floral representations; instead focusing on mimicking fungus or strange, mutated species. Movement is another important notion in Dallinga’s work: the movement of the process of transforming wool to felt and the apparent movement within her sculptures when exhibited in a gallery.

Dallinga has also made spectacular theatrical costumes and props for the internationally renowned Cirque du Soleil. Her collaborations with designers and makers within The Cirque de Soleil has allowed a constant flow of creative input and experimentation, furthering her discovery and opportunities. Recent and forthcoming projects include SOFA Chicago; World of Wearable Art, New Zealand; and exhibitions in Australia, Canada, Germany, Netherlands and USA.

Visit Marjolein Dallinga‘s website.