Susan constructs introspective textiles ranging from handheld, wearable to inhabitable. Materials come from various sources: twigs and saplings harvested selectively, cast off books and wrapping materials and animal fibers.
Susan Perrine grew up in Niagara Falls, NY and within earshot of the cascade, learned to turn raw fibers to finished fabrics during an apprenticeship to Carol Schwartzott. In Rhode Island she took an opportunity to learn Jacquard weaving on vintage looms. She studied fine and book arts at University of Southern Maine.
Susan develops events that engage others. The Human Loom transforms unlikely groups into harmonious pattern weavers. Weave a Square for the Fair entices visitors to try a few stitches or to weave a whole square, creating enough fabric to be raffled off.
The first Woven Twig Garden Sculpture was built at the Providence Waterfront Festival in 1998. The 10 foot diameter Twig and Bamboo Hut Construction Project was built in 3 days, with the help of festival-goers. Unwanted soda bottles were tucked into the dense foliage and filled with water. Flowers and herbs were added, providing color and fragrance. The finished sculpture transformed the space into a cool inviting shelter. For some the sculptures provide quiet contemplation, for others it is a place to play hide and seek.
