On-Line Catalog
Susan Webb Lee
Divided We Stand #6
34" x 34"
Cotton, Metallic Thread (framed) 
I have been using textiles as an artistic medium for more than 30 years. I began in the late 70’s by studying surface design techniques which included traditional batik, painting with textile pigments, block printing, and dyeing with Procion fiber reactive dyes. I have also studied traditional quilting techniques, and have expanded upon that knowledge to create quilts that are uniquely mine. I incorporate hand-dyed and hand-painted fabrics into most of my quilt work. Generally the quilts are machine-pieced and either quilted by hand or machine.
My subject matter is frequently abstract, sometimes geometric, and usually non-representational. My primary focus is on color and the relationship of shapes. I begin each quilt with no preconceived idea of how it will look as a finished piece; rather, I allow each color and shape to dictate what the adjacent color and shape will be. It’s possible that my quilts are indirectly influenced by everyday encounters, memories, a particular song, or just the colors and textures of the fabrics themselves. Quite often, the stacks of beautifully patterned yardage are enough of an inspiration for me to start cutting and sewing.
I strive for balance and harmony in my work and in my life. I enjoy the solitude and focus of working alone in my studio, but I also appreciate feedback from people and other artists who see my work. As a detail-oriented person, I would like for each quilt to be viewed from a technical standpoint as well as an artistic one. As abstract art, the quilts can be interpreted in various ways, and I think that each person can see something unique that appeals to them, whether it is the complexity of the design or the subtle color gradations found in the hand-dyed cloth.
