Fiber Resurgence

Live Online Seminar

March 10, 24, April 7, 24, May 5, 2025
Thursdays, 3:00-4:30 Eastern / 2:00-3:30 Central / 12:00-1:30 Pacific

Artwork that incorporates fiber seems to be having a major moment right now, especially with the rise of interest in sustainability, craftsmanship, and slow art movements. Artists are experimenting with everything from weaving and embroidery to crocheting and knotting. Combining both tradition and innovation artists are blending these age-old techniques with more modern materials and concepts, which makes it feel fresh and contemporary. If you are working with fiber, or thinking about it, this seminar will inspire and open you to new possibilities.

The cultural history of textiles is so deep and varied. Different regions and cultures have used textiles not just for practical purposes, but also as ways of telling stories, expressing beliefs, and passing down traditions. The techniques, patterns, and materials used can often tell you so much about the history of a place, its people, and their values.

Contemporary artists today are still drawing from and reinterpreting these traditional techniques while also making new statements about culture, identity, and even global issues.

"Working with Sue has been very exciting. My background is in textiles and weaving. I started experimenting with encaustic a number of years ago, and the mixing of the two. Susan has helped guide me on ways to combine the two media. Susan is an insightful teacher who gives me thoughtful and useful feedback. Most importantly, she has helped me to find my own voice. Susan takes the time to prepare for our sessions and is very organized. I have also found our interaction via zoom to be clear. ~ Martha B.

This seminar will focus on the individual's studio practice as well as:

  • techniques and fiber characteristics

  • dyes vs. pigments

  • presentations looking at historical, cultural, and contemporary artists working with fiber

  • traditional and alternative materials

  • conceptual and compositional concerns

  • presentations of individual research

  • installation and hanging options

  • group feedback and troubleshooting

  • inspirational videos and articles

One payment of $595

Two payments of $300

General Information about classes:

  • Classes use Zoom for meetings.

  • The Padlet app is used for the course curriculum. It is a free app to use on a phone or iPad. It can also be accessed on a desktop computer. Padlet is easy to use and requires no special computer skills. Each class has its own Padlet page with separate sections for each student's work, allowing us to share images for viewing and feedback.

  • The Library and Resources are free for students and contains hundreds of books, podcasts, and videos for inspiration and research.

  • Each class is recorded for students who have to miss a session or would simply like to review. Class size is limited to 10.

  • Questions? Email me.