Eleanor Tillmans

Ceramicist/Painter/Fiber Artist

Eleanor Tillmans is a multidisciplinary artist and former Artist in Residence in Grand Rapids, MN.

When not in her studio, Eleanor can be found on her Northern Minnesota Fiber Farm at the EDGE OF THE WOOLDERNESS.

My Practice

My Fiber Art practice is wide and varied. I use the fiber I have harvested from my herd to explore various themes including the natural surroundings in the North Woods. My wizard hats might have a bird or slight mushroom growing from the cap or I might be inclined to a “feeling” like the nostalgia of a cranberry cloche.    In every case, I am led by the fiber itself.  While I make time to play and experiment with “new” techniques in this ancient practice of textile art, I find that the myriad of tiny variations in the fiber are best drawn out beyond my own expectations to determine what the fiber will allow. 

This flexibility of my expectations allows for freedom from constraints, which can be wonderfully liberating. I also have the benefit of knowing the animal’s personalities and I take their essence and imbue them into each piece.  It may be their playfulness that inspires a whimsical slant or the subtle twist of a capricious trait.  It’s a wonderful gift that connects me to the animals that I love.

It has been my great joy to see their usefulness grow and bloom in the wonderful climate of Northern Minnesota.  It has opened the doors of my creativity to a vast array of opportunities to marry both functional ware and the much-needed warmth of a woolen hat with the unique expression that allows for the individual to make a statement of their own playfulness or sophistication.

I’m fortunate to have a variety of fiber and can explore the distinctive qualities when blending for a particular result, but before a single beret is made, I first must ensure that the quality of my fiber is up to the task; therefore, my practice begins with the care of my fiber herd. Their nutrition and health plays a critical role in the resulting quality of their fiber. 

Though I work predominantly with fiber, I also use the earth in the form of ceramics to make my own felting and spinning tools.  This allows for more freedom to explore my unique voice in the art.

This textile art form has a connection to each of us. We all need it to some degree and can say that we have survived because of it. What a powerful medium to work in!

CERAMICS

I love the flexibility of this medium. I use the earth to make functional and sculptural works of art. Each piece is a stand-alone expression of my experiences as a woman living in the quiet North woods of Minnesota.

I am inspired by my surroundings; the seasons, flora and fauna, wildlife, and people who live here. My work is based on these inspirations and reflects my love of nature and its beauty.

I have been making pottery since 2015 when I was introduced to the craft after attending a surprise pottery date night with my husband, Jim.

Soon after this experience, I began making knitting bowls to sell as accessories in my small yarn/fiber art store located at our small alpaca farm store in Texas.

After relocating to Minnesota in 2021, I found the quiet winters a perfect time to escape into my pottery studio where my love and appreciation of this medium expanded and now encompasses a larger part of my portfolio.

WATERCOLOR

I have always been intrigued by painting, but my introduction to watercolor was accidental. My first exposure was in a moment of desperation, I was schedule to host a grand opening event at our new farm store and found my inventory lacking. I created a few watercolor images to display and print as cards and fill in some blank spaces.  Much to my surprise, the watercolor art pieces were the most popular sellers. 

I suppose it stands to reason since I was living in rural Texas at the time and alpaca fleece was not on most shopping lists. 

I continue my professional practice at our lake home in northern Minnesota where I enjoy spending time with my husband and our farm animals.