Susan Leaverton – Guest Artist

Weaving is very contemplative. The process focuses one’s thoughts, through repetitive manual motions. I use only quality fibers, primarily natural wool, cotton, silk, and linen. I like to consider my work straight-forward and honest. Nothing is computer generated. Sometimes the results are successful; sometimes the piece just does not work. But each time a weaving is cut from the loom it is a moment of truth. Finishing techniques can also make, or break, the end result.

Each warp is woven with the hope that what emerges will bring happiness to the person who acquires the finished item. The process is a basic reminder of how all of our lives are woven together on earth.

–Susan Leaverton

A vision and a passion!

My love of weaving began a long time ago during college days at Syracuse University. As a Fabric Design major, weaving quickly became a consuming focus. I continue to be intrigued by the effects of color and texture as fibers interact with each other.

Individual yarns come together on my looms as they form unique fabrics intended for both functional and decorative use. The beauty of the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains and all of Montana’s glorious vistas remain a constant source of inspiration in my life and my textile work.

I use 4 harness hand operated looms to create fabrics, combining primarily natural fibers such as wool, cotton, silk and linen. Accents of tencel, bamboo,  metallic and other novelty threads offer variety.

Product lines include traditional scarves, table runners, shawls and wall hangings. A signature item for 53 years has been my ubiquitous wool Lambscapes© which have found their way around the world as ambassadors of Montana. These original designs never fail to bring smiles and serve as reminders of peace, love and hope. Nothing wrong with that! Of course a few Llamascapes© and Alpacascapes© join in the fun.

Brief general bio info:

Born in Baltimore MD 1948
Rec’d Bachelor of Arts (Fabric Design) from Syracuse University, NY
Rec’d Master of Arts (Art History, Medieval Art) from Penn State, State College PA
Thesis on the Great East Window of York Minster, England
Lived in MD until 2006 when Susan moved with her husband, Robert, to MT.
They were brought to Montana because of Robert’s first call as an ELCA Lutheran Pastor in Absarokee.

After many years selling artist supplies, traveling, and working in Customer Service at FedEx in MD, she has enjoyed a wide variety of employment in MT: church admin assistant, Lutheran Lay Pastor, census taker, school lunch line lady, youth mentor, mail carrier, retail sales, teacher of French & American Sign Language to elementary age children and more….

Interests:

Fiber projects, specifically weaving, knitting and sewing
38 years participating in the MD Sheep + Wool Festival, & vendor committee chair
Independent international travel (Europe, China, Bolivia etc)
Horse riding, hiking, reading, sketching

Some of Susan’s work: