Study of Abstract Art in Fibre
In 2026, Susan will explore true abstract art through textiles, blending art and creativity. Anticipate a sophisticated merging of upcycled fabrics, diverse techniques, and texture.
Title of the Quilt: “Contemplate”
Artist Statement: Navigating life’s complexities with intention requires the cross-examination of our beliefs, motives and choices. Such reflection is rarely serene. It can feel harsh, absorbing, messy and even melancholy. Uncovering inner truths will require resolutely digging through the chaos.
Materials: Predominantly uncycled clothing fabric of unknown fibre content; burlap; organza; cotton and rayon embroidery threads; polyester threads; cotton-bamboo batting. Size: 10 ½” x 16” (27cm x 40.5cm)
Techniques: Fabric manipulation; surface manipulation; layering; couching; applique; machine and hand stitching.
Title of the Quilt: “Love Vs Infatuation”
Artist Statement: Love is often described as steady, grounded, and enduring. Infatuation presents as urgent, uncertain and fleeting. Yet the boundaries between them resist neat definition. Is distinction necessary, or can passion and patience coexist, obscured in layers and joined together with fragile stitches?
Materials: Predominantly uncycled clothing fabric of unknown fibre content, hand dyed cheese cloth, polyester threads, cotton-bamboo batting. Size: 10 ½” x 16” (27cm x 40.5cm)
Techniques: Fabric manipulation, layering, machine and hand stitching.
Title of the Quilt: “Fine, Choice, Aware”
Artist Statement: This work examines the tension between composure and awareness and the quiet pressure beneath what we call ‘fine’. What appears settled may, only be sustained by choice. Familiar fabrics suggest comfort like the worn cotton of a favorite shirt or the whispered elegance of a party dress. When twisted and manipulated a restless resistance is exposed. Softness can conceal as much as it reveals.
Materials: Predominantly upcycled clothing fabric and trims including cotton and rayon blends and other unknown fibres; cotton embroidery thread; polyester thread; cotton/bamboo batting. Size: 10 ½” x 16” (27 cm x 40.5 cm)
Techniques: Raw edge appliqué; fabric manipulation; shirring; hand embroidery; hand and machine quilting; couching.