The Craft of Demonstrating with Susie Hetherington

Many of our makers share their skills, process and inspiration at our shows and at The American Museum, Bath we have a packed weekend of craft demonstrations to enjoy. You'll find  a list of all the makers demonstrating at our craft fair here.

Textile designer Susie Hetherington will be showing her lino printing and pattern making skills. We thought it was the perfect moment to ask Susie why she enjoys demonstrating and what she hopes to convey about her practice.

'Demonstrating my creative process at events is always a great way to engage with visitors and create a better appreciation of the various stages that go into my work. I like to bring a sketchbook, so people can see the original drawings behind my designs, and a handful of Lino blocks. When these are my more detailed pattern blocks, people often like to touch them and feel the carved surface, which I always encourage. It’s helpful to talk about the block being in reverse, which is sometimes a surprise to those who haven’t done Lino printing, and what it means to work back to front. As a child my party trick was to be able to write backwards quite quickly, and it wasn’t until I started Lino printing that I realised this might be quite a helpful skill!

When demonstrating at events I often print very simple blocks that I’ve carved, like stamps, that I can combine into various patterns as I go. I carve several motifs, which are mainly flowers and leaves, and then print in a couple of colours. It’s basically glorified potato printing, and as such it’s very easy for people to get their head round, or if it’s a workshop, have a go at. The possibilities are endless and it’s pure experimentation; one or two patterns will really jump out as successful, and it’s these might become fabric or a wrapping paper later. It’s this simple stamping process that people engage with most naturally, as it isn’t daunting. Watching a pattern form across a page is satisfying, and the process is almost meditative.

That’s where I really encourage people to have a try at home. It doesn’t take much in terms of materials and it can be a really lovely way of working with your hands and creating something unique. Ultimately that is what I want to encourage, as I believe very strongly in the importance of craft. If I can inspire one visitor to get back in touch with their own creativity, in whatever form, then I’m happy.'

For more information about Susie's textiles and workshops visit her website here