Sue Blumendale
My work deals with forms created with handmade paper which are manipulated and sewn to resemble fabric in suspension. I use mixed media including handmade papers, paints, threads, wire and digital photographs from personal history. I explore surfaces, textures and space when creating imagery within the context and intimacy of a garment form.
Media
Paper
Thread
Printmaking
Digital Imagery
ANCESTRAL PERSONAS 2014
For this work, I created “paper” garments which were inspired by the photographs of my European ancestors. The work revisits their prime – reflecting the pride and well-being of a better life – from past immigrant hardships.
HANDMADE PAPER QUILTS 2019
This handmade paper quilt began after many years of walks in the woods with my
trekking poles. I was inspired by the long shadows of trees amid the contrast of
light, the revealing textures underfoot, and the crisscrossing of strangling vines.
“In the Presence of Trees”
32” x 53” x 4”
Monoprinting methods, handmade paper, batting, printing ink, waterproof ink,
raffia, thread and wire
SHIRTS 2008
This series was inspired by memories of helping my mom (who had just recently entered a nursing home) sew clothes for myself and my sister when we were young.
WORKPANTS 1989
This series grew from a desire to make my own “material”. I had been involved with hand papermaking exploring textures and form with “tearing, gluing and spray painting multiple times. This process evolved into creating two cylindrical forms which appeared to represent a pair of “pants”.
