Françoise Hoffmann creates original textiles from hybrid « nuno » felt using a mix of carded wool fibres and different fabrics. By playing with textures, colour and prints, she explores a wide and varied artistic vocabulary.
“Something about the material reached me; felt is a humble medium, but I saw it could be a vehicle for my creativity. There’s even a feeling of nomadism when working with felt, a connection between other countries and other eras.”
Taking the humble felt path
Françoise first trained as a milliner in the 1990s and has helped bring recognition to felt as an artistic material, creating both viewable art and wearable designs.
Her passion was ignited at a museum exhibit on traditional felt and wool — she describes the moment as an artistic encounter and a revelation. In 2008, she was awarded the title of Master of Art (Maître d’Art) by the French Ministry of Culture in recognition of her rare expertise and vision.
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.
In conversation with Françoise Hoffmann
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 and 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”.
The workshop & transmission
In her Aurec-sur-Loire workshop in Haute-Loire, raw natural fibres are transformed through an ancient alchemy of water, friction, and gesture.
Since 2002, Françoise has also been transmitting this rare expertise through individual workshops, residencies, and international masterclasses.
