Teresa Perleberg - Bringing Wool to Life

elephant wool sculpture teresa perleberg Teresa Perleberg

North Dakota, USA

Mediums: wool

Style: Realistic

I live on a ranch on the prairies of North Dakota. I raise adorable sheep, process their wool and use it to create realistic sculptures of Animals using the art of Needle Felting.

“How long have you considered yourself an artist?”

It was 5 years ago when I realized I might have an artistic gift. I had recently been introduced to needle felting and it turned out to be the key that unlocked that gift.

“What are you trying to convey to viewers through your sculpture?”

I would like to see my art bring a smile to their face!

giraffe sculpture

“Tell us about your creative process, from the beginning of a typical piece to its completion.”

An animal will inspire me, I will know when I look at it or a picture of it and I can see it all in my head put together that this is the one. The way they look at me and especially their face and expression will grab me. I dye the wool to the correct color of the animal and begin sculpting using a barbed felting needle. Once I get the basic body shape I add wool where it is needed to sculpt the animal. Sometimes I start with the head if this may the biggest challenge other times I start with the body. The last thing is always the ears, tail, stripes or dots. I either take pictures of the animals or find them in books or on the Internet to look at while sculpting. Photography was my first love. I can’t wait to take their picture when they are completed!

“What things inspire you to create art?”

Animals inspire me. Especially the way they look at me, I memorize that look.

lion art sculpture

“Have you sold any of your artworks? How?”

I have sold many of my sculptures in the past five years. Mostly on the internet. I sell my art on Etsy. www.BearCreekDesign.etsy.com and on my own website. www.bearcreekfelting.com

“How do you promote your art on the internet?”

Living on a ranch in North Dakota has taught me to embrace the internet! I promote my art on Etsy, my Website, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Behance. I blog at least once a week on my website and post pictures everyday on facebook and Tumblr of completed pieces and Works in Progress.

zebra wool art

“Please recommend another artist you admire, and tell us a little about them.”

God, who created all the creatures I try to duplicate is the Artist I admire the most.

“Do you have any regrets in your life as an artist?”

My only regret is that I didn’t find this gift sooner.

“What plans do you have for the future of your sculpture?”

big horn wool sculpture My latest collection of sculptures has been African sculptures. There are so many beautiful African animals, I am looking forward to making many more. I would like to move on to other countries as well for new collections.

I am looking forward to making more animal collections where they interact with each other. Mother’s and babies for example.

I make a few whimsical characters as well and would like to try my hand at Children’s book illustrations.

“Do you have any good advice for emerging artists?”

Find as many ways as possible to market your art on the Internet. Share your art process through pictures to draw people in.