Françoise Hoffmann

Maison Hoffmann

Felt maker

©Patrice Gavand

©David Desaleux

Taking the humble felt path

Françoise first trained as a milliner in the 1990s
She has helped bring recognition to felt as an artistic material
She creates both viewable art and wearable designs

Felt artist and Maitre d’art Françoise Hoffmann delights in the creativity of her work as a designer of original textiles from hybrid felt fabrics. Her passion was ignited at a museum exhibit on traditional felt and wool – she describes the moment as an artistic encounter and a revelation. For her, these materials are connected to motherhood and femininity, and these themes, along with her environmentally respectful approach, have become strong elements of her work. “Something about the material reached me; felt is a humble medium, but I saw it could be a vehicle for my creativity,” she says. “There’s even a feeling of nomadism when working with felt, a connection between other countries and other eras.”

Interview

©David Desaleux

©David Desaleux

What do you like best about your craft?: Felt is an amalgam of different natural fibers. There’s a real freedom in it, the possibility of adding something – silk or muslin, for example – to change the structure and texture. It’s about being aware and alert, it’s an exchange.
Can you describe a memorable piece?: One of my most emblematic creations is the Manteau – Mode d’emploi (Coat – User Guide), which was designed in a way to explain the 'what is this?' and 'how does this work?' element of my art; those questions/answers are embedded in the piece.
What inspires you?: I’m inspired by what I see and what I feel. I’m very inspired by locations and I use photography to capture and then reveal my perceptions. There’s often a connection to a space or a situation I’ve experienced. And then I think, how can I show this?
How do you define what you do?: Felt expresses a notion of time passing – it comes to us from the Neolithic period and evokes history and movement and shelter. I want to show this in my work. It’s not the Great Silk Road, but there’s much to be experienced on the 'humble felt path'.

Françoise Hoffmann is a master artisan: she began her career in 2001 and she started teaching in 2002