AstridFurnival
Biography
Astrid Furnival (1940, Standal, Germany), is a distinguished mixed-media artist known for her work in fiber art. She moved to London in 1957, later married fellow artist John Furnival in 1960. Furnival specializes in creating pieces using hand-dyed wool, often using plant-based dyes from her garden. She began collaborating with her husband in 1970, and together they were recognized with the South West Arts Association Award in 1978 for their joint artistic efforts. Their partnership significantly influenced their work, with both artists contributing to various projects, blending their techniques and artistic visions. Their collaborations often involved using natural materials like plant-based dyes and wool, combining traditional fiber art with modern practices. Her work was exhibited widely across England and Europe from the 1970s through the 2000s, gaining significant attention in the fiber art community. In the late 1980s, she curated the "Afts and Carts" exhibition, which toured throughout the early 1990s. In 2018, she and her husband received a grant from the Arts Council of England for a traveling exhibition that showcased their work across both England and Europe. Astrid Furnival's contribution to contemporary fiber art is notable for her innovative techniques and her collaborative spirit with John, which has left a lasting impact on the art scene. Their joint exhibitions and projects have shaped their shared artistic legacy and brought a unique and influential voice to the world of contemporary fiber art.