The sound of Africa Painting

New abstract felt art > Feltgood by Ellen van der Wiel is an innovative, modern and colourful art line made with felts from merino wool, manufactured by the artist herself. 'The finished product is so smooth and compact people sometimes think it has been made in a factory, which I regard as a compliment.' Often mixed with other organic materials –silk, flax, bamboo- the result is striking. She is inspired by Bauhaus, Rothko, Japanese design and Dutch modernism. Lines, rhythms and intriguing colour transitions are important elements in her work. ‘These are part of my signature as an artist. The miraculous felting process allows me to ‘paint’ with wool and silk, and work in layers. Felt can also be cut into strips, moved around to form a new rhythm and sewn back together. The result, my design, is art you can feel.’ Her felt art panels are also suitable to be installed to improve the acoustics in larger spaces. Felt by its very nature has an acoustical effect. This can be enhanced by adding another layer of sound absorbing material to the back of the felt painting It fits in well with the current trend using hard materials for floors and walls in homes, offices and public spaces. 'If there is a need, my felt paintings can be made to measure and can provide esthetics as well as improving acoustics.' Ellen van der Wiel (The Hague NL,1960) studied (among other things) at the renowned Rietveld Art Academy and the styling Academy Artemis, both in Amsterdam, NL. She worked as a costume designer for film and tv, also as an interior stylist for the Hema retail chain, known for its design. In 2008 she established herself as an independent artist, producing her own work and commissioned art. For further information: