Susan Neal Weaving

Artist's Statement
A life long fascination with color and clothing design led Susan Neal to weaving. She began exhibiting colorful textured hand-woven garments at the national level in 1975. Coming from a tradition of fine woodworking, Steve Thurmond joined her in 1995. His interest in the technical possibilities of handlooms and his excellent craftsmanship made for a fruitful collaboration. Susan designs wearable art with an intention for comfort and elegance.

She dyes or paints by hand 75 percent of the yarns that make up their richly colored and patterned fabrics. Steve designs complex computer aided patterns that he weaves on AVL 16 harness looms. They use only the highest quality natural fibers in their work. After many years of specializing in satin weave silks, recently they expanded to double weave employing the felting properties of wool.

Susan's work is in such prestigious shows as the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, The American Craft Exposition, The Smithsonian Craft Show, American Craft Council Shows, and in galleries around the country.