Tag Archives: Art

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

Join Sue Stone’s Weekend Workshop in Cardiff

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I am delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale for my weekend workshop ‘People & their Stories‘. It will take place on 26 & 27 April 2025 at Beth Morris Workshops in Cardiff.

Spaces are limited so please sign up now to secure your place. I am looking forward to meeting you in Cardiff next Spring!

About the weekend workshop

This 2 day workshop, ‘People & their Stories’ will introduce you to creating illustrative, stitched portraits using hand stitch and appliqué.

My teaching style is one of individual, personal tuition throughout the workshop. I will start by guiding you through the straightforward techniques that I use in my work.

I will also bring a collection of my small works and personal samples. You can use them as inspiration for your own work.

The workshop is suitable for all abilities and will include:

How to transform your own drawings or photos into a starting point for a stitched piece
How to get started using uncomplicated techniques of image transfer to fabric
Drawing with simple stitches, like back stitch and running stitch
Using sampling to help decide on techniques and designs
Exploring appliqué techniques
How to add simple background details like text to help tell your subject’s story.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have begun a small portrait to continue at home. You will also be equipped with skills to develop your own figurative work further.

Your portrait can be of a real or imaginary person. They can be known or unknown to you. Each picture has its own story to tell.

More Information

Pre-Workshop Preparation

Materials and fabrics will be provided but please feel free to bring some of your own favourite fabrics and threads. This will give you a deeper connection to your work.

The aim of the workshop is for you to produce work that is personal to you. It’s also helpful if you choose colours that love and which suit your starting image.

Please bring a choice of your own drawings or photographs to use as inspiration. I will send you some guidelines for selecting and adapting suitable images before the workshop.

Important: If you are a beginner, you should choose a simple starting photograph or drawing like those shown below.

About Sue Stone

My work is inspired by people and places. I’m best known for textural, figurative work which tells a story. My emphasis is on hand embroidery, often mixed with machine stitch, appliqué, and paint.

I have exhibited my work widely throughout the UK and Europe. I have also exhibited in Australia, Japan, Pakistan, and the USA.

I have taught ‘in person’ workshops throughout the UK, and in France, USA and Canada. I also teach online courses for textileartist.org which is run by my two sons Joe & Sam Pitcher.

Don’t forget to add these dates to your diary!

The workshop will take place on 26 & 27 April 2025 at Beth Morris Workshops in Cardiff.

Sign up now to secure your place on my ‘People and Their Stories’ weekend workshop.

I am looking forward to meeting you in Cardiff next Spring!

62 Group’s 62nd Anniversary: My Works at Salts Mill

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Discover my works “Coalescence’ and ‘Integrated’ at the 62 Group’s ‘Making as Learning’ exhibition. Read more about the 62 Group I’d love you to visit the exhibition in person to see the amazing work of the 62 Group members.

This wonderful exhibition is taking place in the roof space at the historic Salts Mill in Saltaire, near Bradford, Uk. It runs from 8th September to 3rd November 2024.

‘Making as Learning’ is an exciting exploration of how the creative process itself can be a journey of learning. I’m thrilled to be showcasing my work in such a remarkable space. Salts Mill is open from 11am-4pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Read more about Salts Mill

For this exhibition, I’ve created two double-sided pieces ‘Coalescence’ and ‘Integrated’. The work establishes a dialogue between the visible and hidden aspects of the composition. This dialogue transforms the making process into a voyage of discovery.

Coalescence

This work is a construction of teaching samples and studies for completed pieces. It showcases a diverse range of techniques and explorations. Each piece is distinguished by additional stitching. This stitching leaves a distinctive footprint on the back, adding a unique element to the artwork’s structure.

By including self-portraits, I pay tribute to the late Audrey Walker; artist, and educator. Audrey was a former 62 Group honorary exhibiting member who was known for her stitched portraiture and still life compositions.

This homage highlights the inspiration drawn from Audrey’s legacy and influence. It also calls attention to the personal and introspective nature of artistic expression. The blend of teaching, experimentation, and tribute really encapsulates my 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 cms – double sided hanging

Integrated

This 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 my commitment to blending modern and traditional techniques in my creative process. The integration of these elements highlights my approach to contemporary art, creating a dialogue between the visible and hidden aspects of my 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

A footnote: I waterproofed both pieces of work because the roof in the roof space leaks! It’s good to be prepared for all eventualities!

Retrospective – an Archive of work made in 2023

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Fred in Suits and Muriel May Stone • She Tailored the Clothes They Wore 2023

Fred in Suits shows Sue Stone’s Dad in the 1930s and 1940s

Sue Stone grew up surrounded by tweed, serge, and worsted fabrics. She learned to sew at an early age and the word ‘Tailored’ has a very personal meaning for her. In 1928 aged 14 her Mum, Muriel May Stone was apprenticed to a tailor. She trained professionally and then worked in the bespoke tailoring department of a large department store in her hometown of Grimsby until her marriage. Muriel may have had to stop going out to work when she married but she never gave up tailoring and so Sue and her sister, Jean wore the Sunday best suits, coats, and jackets that Muriel lovingly made for them.

Sue’s Dad, Fred was a picture of sartorial elegance and always wore a fashionable suit. He wore a 3 piece as a young man consisting of ultra fashionable plus fours, waistcoat, single breasted jacket and Argyll socks around 1929/30, and double breasted and chalk striped in the 1940s usually wore with a white shirt and a tweed or silk tie. He wore a suit everyday until his retirement when he reluctantly donned a more casual sports jacket or cardigan and slacks.

She tailored the Clothes We Wore 2023 -Panel 1 – hand and machine stitch

She Tailored the Clothes We Wore – Panel 2 – detail – mixed media

3 new self portraits 2023 no 68, 69, 70 – mixed media – part of Sue Stone’s installation of 70 self portraits which each measure 26 x 30 cms (10 x 12 ins)

A Grimsby Girl’s World tour – Bergerac 2023 – mixed media

A Grimsby Girl’s World Tour series has included imagined journeys to Bogota, Colombia, Tokyo, Japan, outer space, Copenhagen, Denmark, Madrid, Spain, Brooklyn, NYC, USA, & Vancouver, Canada.

The Grimsby Girl is the artist’s Mum, Muriel May Stone who was born in an era when women had no right to vote. She had no chance to travel abroad in her lifetime and very few opportunities in life to pursue her artistic and musical interests. Muriel loved singing and was a talented contralto. She left school aged 13 and was apprenticed to a tailor. It was a hard life with no recognition of her talents as a seamstress. Here, in this exhibition she visits Bergerac in SW France.

Below: Small studies for the Textileartist.org Stitch Club Workshop July 2023

Cards and small studies for my solo exhibition Shifts and Allusions at the Hub, Sleaford, Uk

Retrospective • an archive of work from 2018

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Self Portrait with Bear and Masks

Inspired by a visit to the Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver.

Size 18.5 x 19.5 cms

hand and machine stitch with appliqué

From Grimsby to Greenpoint & Beyond

From Grimsby to Greenpoint & Beyond • photo by Yeshen Venema

Materials :Linen and recycled clothing fabrics,cotton threads, InkTense pencils,acrylic paint

Techniques: Hand and machine stitch.appliqué, piecing, drawing, painting

A visit to Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York sparked the idea for this work in which the emphasis shifts slightly away from people, and towards place, a specific place, New York and a snapshot of a specific time period 21/12/16 to 3/01/17. Another small shift is in the use of materials, black thread was used abundantly in this piece this is a new departure as was the use of Derwent InkTense pencils to draw and colour the background fabric.

A new approach, an attempt to capture a new energy in the work and a move away from control in the design process meant the work evolved and has had several incarnations during the making process rather than being pre-planned.

There are a multitude of references in this work; to the atmosphere and fast pace of New York City to the areas and places visited and to great beer, coffee and food consumed. Also referenced are a selection of the many street artists in Greenpoint and Bushwick including Faille, a Brooklyn-based artistic collaboration between Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller and there’s tribute paid to particular artworks, ‘Jawbone of an Ass’ by Jean-Michel Basquiat and ‘The Mermaid’ a sculpture by Liz Craft at the Whitney Museum of American Art in Manhattan.

Studies for Collected Memories

Virginia and her Mum

Beryl’s Gran and her Friends 2018 Study for Collected Memories Hand/machine stitch with paint.

Randi and Mr Bunny 2018 for Collected memories Hand/machine stitch with appliqué .

Carmel and Dora 2018 for Collected Memories Hand/machine stitch with paint.

Study for 6 Little Girls 2018 for Collected Memories machine/hand stitch, ink pencils and paint.

New Handling Samples 2018

Handling sample

Ctrl/Shift is going on Tour

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I’m delighted to announce that the 62 Group exhibition Ctrl/Shift will be touring next year.

First stop is the National Centre for Craft and Design where the exhibition will be shown in the main gallery space from 2 February to 22 April 2019. More venues will be coming later.

So if you missed seeing my work ‘From Grimsby to Greenpoint & Beyond in Birmingham why not try and catch it a NCCD, Sleaford, Lincolnshire.

Details of From Grimsby to Greenpoint & Beyond by Sue Stone.

Photos by Yeshen Venema.

Detail of From Grimsby to Greenpoint & Beyond – photo Yeshen Venema

Detail of From Grimsby to Greenpoint & Beyond

Detail of From Grimsby to Greenpoint & Beyond

From Grimsby to Greenpoint & Beyond

Ctrl / Shift
New Directions in Textile Art
2 Feb – 22 Apr 2019
Main Gallery, NCCD, Sleaford, Lincs, UK
The creative tension between accomplished skill, experimentation and the development of new ideas, provides the starting point for Ctrl/Shift, the latest exhibition from The 62 Group of Textile Artists. The exhibition enables participating artists to explore projects which manifest as transformations in their practice. Ctrl/Shift takes shifts and changes as its theme; in particular it is centred on artists whose practice is or has transformed, in small or large ways, especially towards expressions of innovation in textile art. These shifts may be around changing attitudes to control; the introduction of new materials and techniques; and/or the impact of innovative and contemporary themes and ideas, and evolving technologies.

The exhibition comprises over thirty artworks by twentyfive artists, including carefully selected outcomes from a collaboration between three artists who reflected on and were inspired by each other’s work.

The exhibition concept has been developed in partnership with the 62 Group and independent curator Liz Cooper.

The 62 Group is an artist-led organisation which aims to incorporate and challenge the boundaries of textile practice through an ambitious and innovative annual programme of exhibitions and events. Since its establishment in 1962 some of the most highly regarded British & international textile artists have been members of the group.

The artists are (UK unless otherwise noted):

Imogen Aust, Caroline Bartlett, Heather Belcher
Eszter Bornemisza (Hungary), Lucy Brown, Penny Burnfield
Nigel Cheney, Daisy Collingridge, Isobel Currie
Flox den Hartog Jager (Netherlands), Catherine Dormor, Dawn Dupree
Caren Garfen, Emily Jo Gibbs, Ann Goddard
Joanna Kinnersly-Taylor, Hannah Lamb, Debbie Lyddon
Jae Maries, Sian Martin, Jane McKeating
Sumi Perera (Sri Lanka/UK), Shuna Rendel, Vanessa Rolf
Sue Stone

More Details of From Grimsby to Greenpoint & Beyond

Photos by Yeshen Venema.

Detail of From Grimsby to Greenpoint & Beyond

Detail of From Grimsby to Greenpoint and Beyond 2018 – photo by Yeshen Venema

Detail of From Grimsby to Greenpoint & Beyond

Ctrl/Shift

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The next 62 Group exhibition ‘Ctrl/Shift’ opens on 21 July 2018 and I am delighted that my work ‘From Grimsby to Greenpoint & Beyond’ has been selected to be shown at MAC, Birmingham.

The exhibition is grouped into four main thematic areas but could equally have been split many other ways. There is also a Project Space in which samples, tools, photos, short films and other materials will shed some light on the making process. We hope that the works will delight, provoke, entertain and educate; and inspire others to explore this most powerful of media, textiles.

The exhibition concept has been developed in partnership with the 62 Group and independent curator Liz Cooper.

The exhibiting artists are:

Imogen Aust, Caroline Bartlett, Heather Belcher, Eszter Bornemisza, Lucy Brown, Penny Burnfield, Nigel Cheney, Daisy Collingridge, Isobel Currie, Flox den Hartog Jager, Catherine Dormor, Dawn Dupree, Caren Garfen, Emily Jo Gibbs, Ann Goddard, Joanna Kinnersly-Taylor, Hannah Lamb, Debbie Lyddon, Sîan Martin, Jane McKeating, Sumi Perera, Shuna Rendel, Vanessa Rolf, and Sue Stone

The Ctrl/Shift Private view is on Saturday 21 July at the MAC and I have attached an invitation, with details, as you are all welcome to come and celebrate the opening with us and to meet some of the artists. Admission is free but booking is essential. Book Here

6th Riga International Textile and Fibre Art Triennial Tradition and Innovation on the theme: Identity!

In 2018 Latvia will celebrate the centenary anniversary of the Republic of Latvia and the Triennial will be part of the festivity cultural programme. I am delighted, and as usual very relieved when I send my artwork abroad, to say that my work I Am Me has arrived in Riga for the 6th Riga International Textile and Fibre Art Triennial Tradition and Innovation on the theme: Identity! I Am Me is one of 85 artworks from 28 countries chosen for the exhibition from 218 applications.

The exhibition opens on 6 June 2018 at 4 p.m at the Arsenāls Exhibition Hall, Riga (Torņa St. 1) and will run until September 9, 2018.

Stone,Sue_This_is_ Me

I Am Me – Artist’s Statement

Individuality, distinctiveness, uniqueness form our identity; who or what we are. Visual decoration or types of clothing may suggest class, culture, creed, religion or ethnicity. The outer shell and its various wrappings; skin, clothing, accessories, may alter and transform my appearance as they change.

This work, made up of 12 self-portraits, is inspired by the humankind’s urge to categorise. Whoever you think you see in these images the person portrayed remains the same throughout. It is me and the viewer is asked to form their own opinion of who I really am.

I Am Me – Tattoos

I Am Me – Hilda

I Am Me – Turban 2

I Am Me – punk

I Am Me 4

I Am Me 6

I Am Me 9

I Am Me – Iris

I Am Me 12

I Am Me 1

I Am Me 7

Remember Me? 24 March to 15 July 2018

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Sue Stone: Remember Me?

FISHING HERITAGE CENTRE, Alexandra Dock, Grimsby, N E Lincolnshire, DN32 0RA,UK

Tel: 01472 323345

My retrospective mixed media and textiles exhibition opens on 24 March 2018 at 11 am and includes work inspired by personal relationships, life observations and a pride in my Grimsby heritage. Follow the journey from my first ever figurative piece ‘The Wedding’ made in 2006, to my most recent work made in 2018.

A few images below of work included in the exhibition to whet your appetite.

Detail of From Grimsby to Greenpoint and Beyond 2018 – photo by Yeshen Venema

63:63 – 2016

Pop Stone * Family Tree 2016

The Unknown Statistic 2014 – photo by David Ramkalawon

RIP Grimsby St E2 – 2012

Exhibition Dates: 24 March to 15 July 2018

Opening Times: (24 March to 31 March) Tuesday to Friday 10 am – 4 pm (Closed Mondays) Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 4 pm (including bank holidays)
(1 April to 15 July) Tuesday to Sunday 10 am – 5 pm (Closed Mondays)
Bank holiday Mondays open 10 am – 5 pm

Exhibition Opening Saturday 24 March 11am to 1pm Light refreshments available.

Exhibition Walking Tour – Saturday 24 March at 2pm
Join artist Sue Stone in conversation with Alf Ludlam for a walking tour of Sue’s solo mixed media textile exhibition ‘Remember Me?’
The event is free but numbers are limited.
Please book by calling the Fishing Heritage Centre on 01472 323345.

image of Portrait of a Grimsby Girl 2014

Portrait of a Grimsby Girl 2014 – photo David Ramkalawon

Some Things Never Change 2012

Woman with a Fish 2009 – photo by Steve Thornton

Closed 2008

East End Chair 2007

The Wedding 2006 photo by Steve Thornton

Fred and Harry on the Pontoon • 60 x 46 cms

Bathing Belles 2009 photo by Steve Thornton

Skipper Johannes Hansen 2009 • 40 x 46 cms

womanwithafish

sue stone textile artist

Tag Archives: Art

The Emotional Depth in Sue Stone’s Creations

Making as Learning Exhibition – Salts Mill

Naomi

Fred in Suits

Schooldays 1920s

Good Companions: The Girls who Made the Suits v3 2024

Join Sue Stone’s Weekend Workshop in Cardiff

About the weekend workshop

Pre-Workshop Preparation

About Sue Stone

Don’t forget to add these dates to your diary!

62 Group’s 62nd Anniversary: My Works at Salts Mill

Coalescence

Integrated

Retrospective – an Archive of work made in 2023

Retrospective • an archive of work from 2018

Ctrl/Shift is going on Tour

Ctrl/Shift

Remember Me? 24 March to 15 July 2018

Making as Learning Exhibition – Salts Mill

Naomi

Fred in Suits

Schooldays 1920s

Good Companions: The Girls who Made the Suits v3 2024

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About the weekend workshop

Pre-Workshop Preparation

About Sue Stone

Don’t forget to add these dates to your diary!

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Coalescence

Integrated

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