Pennie Metcalfe (PenOfM)
Born and bred in Yorkshire, Pennie studied Fashion and Ceramics at Bradford College and earned a Fine Arts Degree from the University of Derby in 1997. After graduating, Pennie dedicated her life to working in art education, SEN and mental health for over twenty years until 2019, when the results of an injury left her with chronic pain and ill health. She returned to her art practice initially as a form of escapism. There, Pennie discovered that wool's sensory properties were inspirational and therapeutic. She had previously discovered felting in 2010 after attending a felting workshop with her daughter and had been struck back then with the fibre's inexhaustible potential. She now combines her multidisciplinary knowledge and skills to create fibre and textile art. To date, Pennie has exhibited in Northern Ireland and England.
Pennie Metcalfe (PenOfM)
Born and bred in Yorkshire, Pennie studied Fashion and Ceramics at Bradford College and earned a Fine Arts Degree from the University of Derby in 1997. After graduating, Pennie dedicated her life to working in art education, SEN and mental health for over twenty years until 2019, when the results of an injury left her with chronic pain and ill health. She returned to her art practice initially as a form of escapism. There, Pennie discovered that wool's sensory properties were inspirational and therapeutic. She had previously discovered felting in 2010 after attending a felting workshop with her daughter and had been struck back then with the fibre's inexhaustible potential. She now combines her multidisciplinary knowledge and skills to create fibre and textile art. To date, Pennie has exhibited in Northern Ireland and England.
Kairos
Fibre Sculpture created from a selection of
wool fibres
35cm x 45cm x 52cm
In response to the theme of Time, Pennie Metcalfe chose to focus on the concept of Timelessness. Pennie associates Timelessness with our ancient landscapes and the crafts connected to wool and natural fibre.
Throughout the creative process, Pennie faced challenges like limited space and time pressures. The demands of Chronos grew distracting, prompting her to revisit meaningful past travels—places steeped in history where time felt suspended. In these moments of reflection, the idea of Timelessness deepened, and Kairos began
to take shape.
To preserve the integrity of her craftsmanship, Pennie avoided using machinery and focused on labour-intensive hand techniques, such as coil spinning. This mindful approach allowed her to immerse herself in the organic process, fostering a deep connection with the fibre and each twine, twist, and stitch.
