Using examples of her designs, and course members’ work, Sue explains her design process, what inspires and drives her, and how she sees her work developing in the future. This talk was given at Convention 2024. (54m)
Description
The talk describes Sue’s journey in textiles from her early education in textiles and knitwear design, through her teaching years and the time she spent on sabbatical and how all of this has impacted on the work she does now.
Sue discusses how, and why, she learnt to crochet and describe how this craft has been fundamental in finding hew own creative voice and creating a global network of crafters.
Sue also describes how she built her business from a small sole trader doing the occasional local craft fair into an International Limited Company with nearly 2,000 course members from all over the world.
Sue explains why she thinks crafting, generally, has a role to play in helping people feel and stay connected and she will talk about how her business is as much about community as it is about learning a craft and making a product.
Using examples of her designs, and course members’ work, Sue explains her design process, what inspires and drives her, and how she sees her work developing in the future.
About the speaker
Sue trained as a knitwear designer in the mid 1980’s and after graduating began a twenty year teaching career in Further Education and Higher Education, teaching on a broad range of Textiles and Art & Design courses.
A two year sabbatical spent at Goldsmiths University and NUA ignited a broader interest in creative practices including writing and installation work.
In 2011 Sue left her formal teaching career to start a business, The Mercerie. Since the pandemic Sue has built an online platform of crochet courses for a global audience and continues to combine her love of designing, making and teaching.
Instagram: @themercerie
Facebook: themercerie
Pinterest: themercerie
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