Julia Butler's world changed last year when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. While the symptoms of the disease and the challenges of the medication to treat it may have limited her ability to work as a counsellor, it has not limited her spirit or creativity.
Rather than let the disease define her, Butler threw herself into creating works of art in felt and is having her first exhibition at Lyttleton Stores in Lawson.
"Felt-making is a very physical art," she said.
''When I wake up feeling sore and stiff, making something helps me in a number of ways.
"It is a forgiving art also. Sometimes you get a result that wasn't how you thought it would be so that can lead to a new direction with that piece."
Butler came to felt-making through her love of knitting.
"I have loved knitting for some years but a couple of things combined to move me into felt making. I saw patterns for wet felting and tried it.
"And I was diagnosed with MS which upturned my life and meant that it was difficult for me to continue working as a counsellor."
Butler said the exhibition was about transformation and also about seasons.
"Living in the Blue Mountains you are so much more aware of the seasons and the climate. How it changes and how the environment needs to adapt fits in with my felt making.
"I also worked as a counsellor and was privileged to be part of client's stories of transformation and adaptation."
Butler said another theme is looking past the surface to see what is underneath.
"I have played around with pieces that have a pattern, or use unusual materials in the centre. This fits for me with how we need to see past the obvious with other people or we can miss the gems inside.
"And yes, that applies strongly to people with disabilities or who have chronic illness."
I have played around with pieces that have a pattern, or use unusual materials in the centre. This fits for me with how we need to see past the obvious with other people or we can miss the gems inside.
- Julia Butler
The exhibition is on now at Lyttleton Stores at 1/2 Badgery Crescent, Lawson. It runs until early April.
