Artist Profile: Karla Jacobs
I learned to needle felt in Iceland, during the long, dark winter of 2014. Using wool from extra-fleecy Icelandic sheep and inspiriation from local artisans, I started poking the fluffs of wool into shapes and faces that took on lives of their own. The elves are inspired from Icelandic folklore—most Icelanders believe it's possible that "hidden people" exist in their land and are responsible for much of the unexplained mischief that happens. For example, when roads are built through elvin territory, machinery unexpectedly breaks, workers may sustain injuries, and the project often comes to a halt. Expert elf whispers are called in to negotiate. Often this requires re-routing the road, and afterwards, magically, the breakage and injuries stop. Google "Elves in Iceland" for specific stories.
