Denise Lithgow is a contemporary artist, creating 2D & 3D felt sculptures and machine embroidery wall works.

Lithgow’s annual pilgrimage to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary to teach yields ongoing inspiration: the mountain deserts, gorges, waterholes and unique flora are reflected in her work. Artworks conceived and commenced in the desert are developed and extended in her Leichardt studio, through eco dying and adding yarns to interweave the feeling, textures and subtle properties of the landscape.

“With felting” says Lithgow, “I use the process from paddock to product, using fleeces that are washed, carded, dyed with native plant material and then created into my sculpture works. Born on a sheep property, I’ve grown up with wool, so it is not surprising that felting is the process I use to create my vessels. I use felt as it’s an ecological, sustainable textile and I am completely captivated by the wool’s tactile qualities, rich range of colours and the magical meshing of the fibres, which gives it its manipulative quality. My 2D works are fabrics which are eco dyed and upcycled.”

She teaches felting in places such as Portugal, London and the AGNSW.