About Suzanne Williams
I work with silk fusion because it satisfies my tactile and visual loves. Silk roving is a sumptuous fiber and mixing other fibers in with it expands my ability to create. In making silk roving, other forms of silk get made (throwsters waste, cocoon strippings etc.). I am able to use these various forms in my “paintings”. Silk also takes dye colors in an unsurpassed fashion allowing for depth and breadth of expression.
I am inspired and moved by the natural world around me. Whether it’s a field of flowers or a night sky full of stars I aim to communicate awe and wonder in my art. Some pieces take on a whimsical bent and can be viewed landscape or portrait orientation.
Silk fusion involves taking silk roving (like a hank of hair) and dividing it lengthwise into thumb sized sections. Silk is then pulled off each section in 3 or 4″ long pieces and laid down in vertical columns and progressive rows on top of bridal veil tulle. Before this I must decide if the piece is meant to be seen from both sides or which side is to be the face. With this question answered I can lay out my silk in several layers. I create detail with yarns, silk organza, metallic fibers, sequins, whatever is suitable to the image or mood I am creating. I lay a second piece of tulle carefully down over all the fibers. I then take warm, soapy water and without disturbing the silk paint it into the silk to saturate it completely. I flip the silk-tulle sandwich over and paint the reverse side with warm soapy water. If I want to add fine detail I flip to the face, carefully peel away the tulle, add tiny detail to the wet silk and replace the tulle. I gently blot the silk to remove excess soapy water and then paint on a fiber medium to “glue” all the fibers together. I flip the silk sandwich and paint the reverse side. Lastly I take the 3 layers, my painting, and hang it to dry from clothes pins on a laundry rack. Once it’s completely dry, I peel away the tulle and iron the painting to set the fiber medium. Attaching it to a canvas or mounting it to backerboard for framing comes last.
Biography
I am a visual artist working with Tussah silk fiber and other fibers, yarns and textiles. The technique I use is silk fusion. I have always been a “touchy feely” woman. Silk fusion satisfies my passion for the tactile and visual experience in creating a work of art.
I began my practice almost 20 years ago spurred on by a photo on Pinterest. I texted the artist, bought materials and fell in love with the medium. I appreciate the flexibility silk fusion allows in materials and form. I create everything from “paintings” mounted on canvas to 3D forms.
Originally from Houston,TX, I’ve lived in Berkeley CA where I completed a M.Div. at Pacific School of Religion. I’ve lived in West Virginia since 1980 with interruptions for my work in the medical field. (I am a retired Osteopathic Family Doctor.)
I am self taught as a fiber artist. I belong to the Greenbrier Artists where I benefit from the years of experience with visual communication.
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Other Creative Skills
Textile
Jewelry
