Conversations with Textiles - II

In advance of our exhibition we asked all of our members to describe their Conversations with Textiles. We are linking this with an Instagram week when that artist will share some of their process and work. @curious_threads

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Sue Sherwood

My conversation with textiles was influenced at an early age whilst chatting and watching my grandmother as she worked the most exquisite crewel work on household linen. I still have some of her work today and although my work is in no way similar I feel it must be in the genes! Are my ancestors influencing my conversations with textiles?

At the beginning of my textile journey I focused on garment construction, only later appreciating the textiles within my fingers. Now as a textile artist my process involves much contemplating, questioning and cross-examining my thought processes before deciding on the final design. Even then the questions still come, sometimes in the early hours or when I notice a detail that says "what if”. Today there are so many processes that can be used to alter, enhance and embellish textiles that it can be overwhelming to know when to say “yes or no” to a process. However having these questions or conversations are vital to the textile artist and hopefully, ultimately lead to the success of an art piece.

Conversations with textiles can be both personal and collaborative within Curious Threads. I feel extremely fortunate to be part of this group where members are always happy to help, evaluate and give creative suggestions as we work alongside each other making it a successful group of textile artists.

Sue Sherwood

Classic Embroidery by my Grandmother - Ellen Frances Violet Baker

Contemporary embroidery - Sue Sherwood