Interview
Rebecca Robbie
New Zealand artist Becca creates serene, tactile works that bridge fine art and interior design through the timeless beauty of wool. Raised on a sheep farm in the Wairarapa, Robbie’s connection to natural materials began early. With formal training in both fashion and interior design, her creative journey has always centered around texture, balance, and the way materials shape emotional and physical spaces. Her art practice was born during maternity leave, when she began experimenting with wool — a material deeply rooted in her upbringing and values. What started as exploration soon evolved into a signature style: minimal, sculptural, and sensory pieces crafted from 100% New Zealand merino felt. Through her work, Robbie highlights the sustainability and wellbeing benefits of wool, a fibre that is not only renewable and biodegradable but also naturally purifies the air by absorbing toxins. Each piece serves as a gentle reminder that art can enhance both the aesthetic and the atmosphere of a home. Balancing earthy restraint with modern form, Robbie’s collections move fluidly between structured pattern and calming organic design. Her recent felted works evoke stillness and tactility, inviting the viewer to slow down and connect with material honesty. Having exhibited at the Auckland Art Show 2025, Robbie continues to gain recognition for her ability to merge craft, sustainability, and contemporary design into art that resonates with interior lovers and collectors alike.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I grew up on a sheep farm in rural New Zealand, surrounded by the beauty and texture of wool from a young age. My background in both fashion and interior design has always drawn me toward tactile materials and aesthetic balance. When I went on maternity leave with my young child, I finally had the space to slow down and reconnect creatively — that’s when my wool art journey began. It felt like everything I’d done until that point naturally wove together.”
What inspires you?
“I’m deeply inspired by texture — the way light and shadow play across surfaces, and how materials feel as much as how they look. I’m drawn to natural, earthy tones and the quiet elegance of minimalism, but I also love the energy that a pop of colour can bring into a space. That contrast allows my work to bridge both minimalist and eclectic interior styles.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The underlying message in my work is to create awareness around the beauty and versatility of wool in the home. Wool is not only sustainable and biodegradable — it also naturally purifies the air by absorbing toxins. Through my art, I hope to encourage people to surround themselves with materials that are both aesthetically enriching and beneficial to their wellbeing. My work carries a message of harmony between design, sustainability, and health.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work explores the interplay of pattern, form, and colour — from structured geometric designs to soft, organic shapes. My latest felted collection moves into a more sculptural and sensory direction, designed to evoke calm and connection. Using 100% merino felt, I aim to create pieces that feel high-value, grounding, and timeless.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I’ve long admired the large-scale textural weavings of Rebecca Whittaker — her work was one of my first inspirations to begin experimenting with wool as a fine art medium. I’m also drawn to the emotional simplicity of Mark Rothko’s colour fields; his ability to evoke deep feeling through subtle gradients of tone continues to influence my approach to composition and mood.”
“The underlying message in my work is to create awareness around the beauty and versatility of wool in the home.”
What is your creative process like?
“My process begins with research — exploring different pattern-making techniques and visual rhythms that might translate well into wool. I create small mock-ups in rough fabric first to test how the forms interact. Once I’m happy, I cut and hand-sew the merino felt. Watching each piece take shape is incredibly satisfying — the 1mm felt has a beautiful firmness that allows it to hold sculptural form while still feeling soft and tactile.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe art exists to spark conversation and invite reflection. It’s a way to slow down the viewer, to reconnect them with beauty, texture, and meaning in an often fast-paced world. I see artists today playing a vital role in reshaping how we live — bringing sustainability, mindfulness, and authenticity into everyday spaces through thoughtful creation.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I recently exhibited at the Auckland Art Show in June 2025, which was an incredible experience. It gave me the chance to connect with other artists across New Zealand and to engage directly with audiences who were genuinely moved by my work. The positive feedback reaffirmed my belief that wool art resonates deeply — both as a material and as a message.”
Website: www.nzwoolart.com
Instagram: @nzwoolart
