The Emotional Depth in Sue Stone’s Creations

Retrospective – An Archive of work made in 2024

Title of Work: A Glimpse of Calm Amidst the Chaos 2024

“A Glimpse of Calm Amidst the Chaos” captures a 1940s family posed on a stile, embodying a fleeting moment of serenity in a world which seems to be run by lunatics. Set against an idyllic rural landscape, the family sits with an air of innocence, contrasting starkly with the chaos around them. Through a mix of hand stitch, free machine stitch and appliqué, Sue Stone weaves a tactile story of continuity and contradiction. By blending traditional techniques with contemporary reflections, the piece invites viewers to ponder how much – or how little – the world has changed. The work speaks to a longing for stability in uncertain times, drawing attention to the persistent tension between personal sanctuary and societal upheaval.

Materials & Techniques

Hand stitch and free machine stitch:cotton and wool threads on a cotton/linen background with applied recycled cotton lawn clothing fabrics. 

Size: 38.5 x 51 cms

First Shown in the Broderers Exhibition at Bankside Gallery 2025

Title of work: The Stuff of Nightmares 2024
“The Stuff of Nightmares” delves into the fractured visions of a troubled mind affected by the world’s darkest realities. Through haunting imagery of global conflicts, innocent lives lost, and a society seemingly led by madness, Sue Stone uses intricate hand and free machine stitching combined with appliqué to capture this dystopian landscape. The textured layers, are pieced together to echo the fragmented experiences of those touched by war and suffering. This work confronts viewers with raw and unsettling truths, challenging them to acknowledge the unseen nightmares that echo through society, while also highlighting the fragility of humanity caught up in the mayhem.
Materials & Techniques
Hand and free machine stitch: cotton and wool threads on a cotton/linen background with applied recycled cotton lawn clothing fabrics.

Size:38.5 x 51 cms

First Shown in the Broderers Exhibition at Bankside Gallery London 2025

Soon to be shown in The Usher Open, Lincoln, UK 2025

Making as Learning Exhibition – Salts Mill

For this exhibition which celebrated the 62Group@62 Sue Stone created two double-sided pieces that establish a dialogue between the visible and hidden aspects of her work, transforming the making process into a journey of learning.

Title – Coalescence
Sue Stone’s work is a construction of teaching samples and studies for completed pieces which showcase a diverse range of techniques and explorations. Each piece is distinguished by additional stitching that leaves a distinctive footprint on the back, adding a unique element to the artwork’s structure. By including self-portraits, Sue pays tribute to Audrey Walker, who was known for her stitched portraiture. This homage highlights the inspiration drawn from Audrey’s legacy and influence, whilst also highlighting the personal and introspective nature of artistic expression. This blend of teaching, experimentation, and tribute encapsulates Sue’s creative journey.
Materials: Linen, recycled clothing , cotton thread, wool yarn, paint, InkTense pencil


Techniques: Hand and machine stitching, appliqué, painting, waterproofing, fabric weaving
Size:63 x 182 x 2 cmsTitle – Integrated

Sue Stone’s work consists of digital prints of finished pieces that have been showcased in 62 Group exhibitions. This artwork is uniquely marked by additional hand and machine stitching, visible as a distinctive footprint on the back. This stitching not only adds texture and depth but also symbolises the Sue’s commitment to blending modern and traditional techniques in her creative process. The integration of these elements highlights the artist’s innovative approach to contemporary art, creating a dialogue between the visible and hidden aspects of her work, and inviting viewers to explore the layers of meaning within each piece.

Materials: Digitally printed waterproof fabric, Cotton threads, linen fabric
Techniques: Digital printing, appliqué, hand and machine stitching

Size: 63 x 182 x 2 cms

First shown at Salts Mill, Saltaire, Bradford in 62@62 Making as Learning exhibition

Title – Integrated
Sue Stone’s work consists of digital prints of finished pieces that have been showcased in 62 Group exhibitions. This artwork is uniquely marked by additional hand and machine stitching, visible as a distinctive footprint on the back. This stitching not only adds texture and depth but also symbolises the Sue’s commitment to blending modern and traditional techniques in her creative process. The integration of these elements highlights the artist’s innovative approach to contemporary art, creating a dialogue between the visible and hidden aspects of her work, and inviting viewers to explore the layers of meaning within each piece.

Materials: Digitally printed waterproof fabric, Cotton threads, linen fabric


Techniques: Digital printing, appliqué, hand and machine stitching
Size: 63 x 182 x 2 cms

First shown at Salts Mill

Naomi

Celebrating the Life of Naomi Crowder who lived life to the full.

Fred in Suits

A partner piece to She Tailored the Clothes They Wore 2023 depicting Fred Stone, Sue Stone’s Dad in fashionable suits; waistcoat and single breasted jacket around 1929/30, double breasted and chalk striped in the 1940s , His suits were always worn with a white shirt and a tweed or silk tie.

Shown at The Hub, Sleaford in the 62 Group Tailored exhibition

Schooldays 1920s

From my father-in-law’s school photo (he is on the front row seated left at the end of the bench. Detail above.

Good Companions: The Girls who Made the Suits v3 2024

“Good Companions :The Girls Who Made the Suits” explores the strength and solidarity found within a community of women. The artist’s mother, a professionally trained tailor, worked
tirelessly with a group of women in the tailoring department of a small-town store, crafting bespoke suits for local businessmen. Despite their skill and labour, the women received no recognition ; credit was given to the men in charge. In response, the women built a close-knit community, supporting one another both at work and in their personal lives. Through hand embroidery, Sue Stone reflects on this unspoken bond and the quiet power of their shared experiences.

Size:20 x 20 cms

Shown at the 13th Baltic Minitextiles exhibition at Museum of Gdynia, Poland in 2025

Now acquired by the Museum of Gdynia collection

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