Maggie Glossop is a self taught artist.  She received an undergraduate  degree from Trent University and then trained in Great Britain as a psychiatric nurse.  However, while in England she was also introduced to the textile arts and chose to pursue that path instead on returning home to Canada.  She first explored the creative uses of fibres as a spinner and weaver, but 20 years ago she joined the vanguard of textile artists exploring the use of feltmaking as a medium for fine art.  Maggie uses this natural medium to create wonderful textured landscapes and sculptural wall pieces.

She blends wool with a wide range of more exotic animal and vegetable fibres such as silk, cashmere, angora, mohair, qiviut, flax and hemp to create her unique art form.  After laying down a base layer of wool fibre, Maggie arranges other coloured fibres , which she has dyed herself, on the surface to create an image.  Then, using hot water, pressure and manipulation, she processes the fibres until they all matt together forming a unified piece of felted fabric. 

Maggie finds inspiration for her work while out exploring in a kayak, or hiking boots in summer and on skis or snowshoes in winter.  Back in her studio she uses natural fibres to express her passsion for the natural environment.  Although they are often mistaken for paintings, close examination of Maggie's felted landscapes reveals an unexpected depth and textural quality that characterizes this unique art form.

Maggie has taught in most provinces and in as many states, sharing her enthusiasm and creativity with young and old.  She has received many awards and grants to support and further her work which is displayed in public,  corporate and private spaces.

photograph by Alan Mirabelli 2005