Head and Hands
My work is an intuitive process of blending color and texture into artistic, woven compositions. After preparing threads for the loom, I spread them out and paint with fiber reactive dyes so that one color flows into the next, creating a watercolor effect. I dye/paint threads so the color placement will compliment the wearer, often progressing from darker colors lower on the garment to lighter colors toward the face. I transfer those threads to the loom and weave luxurious cloth, from which each garment is individually cut and sewn.
I work in a stable, stretching threads out in front of the stalls and across the breezeway. Barn swallows and wrens use my stray threads in their nests and have grown so accustomed to my presence that they freely feed their young while I work. I watch the fledglings leave the nests to
fly/jump between the rafters.
After rinsing the threads, I hang them on the wood fences to dry. The colors attract the neighbors who enjoy popping in to see what I’m doing that day. More than once, we have tiedyed their underwear with leftover dyes, proving to the youngsters around here that we old fogies know how to have fun!
Suza Wooldridge
(573) 635-6088
suza @ suzadesigns.com
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