artist's statement
From the very beginning of my nuno felt experience, the process of transforming lists of wool and silk into felted cloth with a little soapy water, has struck me as magical. It's that magical process with its playful nature and subtle shifts that leads to experimentation. My designs come from many hours of saying "what happens if..." I'm also intrigued with the way a garment can change the emotions of its wearer.
biography of instruction
2012, 2013 - Southeast Animal Fiber Fair, Asheville, NC
2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, Black Sheep Gathering, Eugene, OR
2018 Fiber Fusion, Marysville, WA
2018 "Women's Gathering" Anita Luvera Mayer Retreat
2019 Bisbee Fiber Arts Guild, Bisbee, AZ
2019 Sedona Arts Center, Sedona, AZ
2019 Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival,
West Friendship, MD
2019 Copper K Fiber Festival, Whitehall, MT
2019 Fiber Fusion Northwest, Marysville, WA
2020 Arizona Arts Federation "Traveling Teacher" eight workshops/six cities/three weeks (February)
2021 North Olympic Shuttle & Spindle Guild, "One Fiber Art Journey" lecture - virtual
2021 Carolina Fiber Festival - virtual
2021 Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival - virtual
2022 Warehouse Arts District, St. Petersburg, FL
2022 Carolina Fiber Festival, Raleigh, NC
2022 Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, Friendship, MD
2022 Blacksheep Gathering, Albany, OR
2022 Video Production @ Living Felt, Austin, TX
2022 Clifton Forge School of the Arts - Clifton Forge, VA
2023 Carolina Fiber Fest, Raleigh, NC
2023 Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, Friendship, MD
2023 Flag Wool & Fiber Festival, Flagstaff, AZ
2023 Black Sheep Gathering, Albany, OR
2023 Southeastern Animal Fiber Festival, Asheville, NC
2023 Clifton Forge School of the Arts - Clifton Forge, VA
2023 Weavers West, Twisted Threads & Fiber Artists of Northern Arizona
2024 Video Production @ Living Felt, Austin, TX
2024 Carolina Fiber Fest, Raleigh, NC
2024 Florida Tropical Weavers Conference, Orlando
2024 Nuno Felt Mosaic Garment workshop @ John C Campbell Folk School, NC
2024 Nuno Felt Mosaic Coat workshop @ Snow Farm, Williamsburg, MA
2024 Anson County Fiber Retreat & Festival
2025 Potomac Fiber Arts Guild, MD March, lecture and 2 scarf classes & 3-day mosaic nuno felt garment class
2025 Carolina Fiber Fest - 3 classes
2025 Victoria Handweavers & Spinners Guild, Victoria, BC Lecture & two day garment workshop
2025 Wool Gatherers Guild Comox Valley, BC two classes
2025 Mid-Atlantic Fiber Association Conference, Millersville, PA - 3-day Nuno Felt coat workshop
2025 JC Campbell Folk School - mosaic nuno felt garment class using recycled fabrics
2025 Southeast Animal Fiber Fair, 4 classes
2026 JC Campbell Folk School - 5-day nuno felt an ensemble, mosaic dress with sleeves, circle vest, gloves & hat
2026 Sedona Felting Retreat, 5-day garment class
2026 Carolina Fiber Festival, 4 classes
2026 Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, 3 classes
2026 Craft Guild of Dallas -3-day felted scarf & mosaic vest
2026 Handweavers Guild of America Convergence, New Orleans, 3-day coat class
2026 Pacific NW School of Art - 5 day garment workshop
2026 Southeast Animal Fiber Fair, 4 classes
Patti Barker is an award-winning wearable artist, instructor and author whose innovative nuno felt creations have earned national recognition. Working at the intersection of fine art, fiber and fashion, she creates one-of-a-kind garments that blur the boundaries between sculpture and clothing. Each piece is conceived as a sculptural artwork that comes fully to life when worn, transforming the human body into a living canvas.
Using fine merino wool, silk and traditional wet felting techniques, Patti constructs both the fabric and the garment simultaneously, eliminating the need for seams or sewing. She hand-dyes fibers, spins specialty yarns and often incorporates bead embroidery to create richly textured works that invite viewers to experience the transformative power of wearable art.
Her work explores themes of female empowerment, resilience, transformation and humanity's relationship with the natural world. Through symbolism and narrative, each garment tells a story, inviting viewers and wearers alike to consider the emotional and environmental connections that shape our lives.
Patti's work has been exhibited in museums, galleries and prestigious juried exhibitions. An accomplished educator, Patti has taught workshops, lectures and master classes throughout North America.
For CV visit Exhibition page.
Membership in the following organizations:
International Felt Makers Association
Northeast Felt Makers Guild
Gainesville Weavers Guild
Gainesville Fine Arts Association
Earthquake, 2020