Suzanne Hee Mayberry, The Sewing Garage
PARACHUTE GALLERY CORE ARTIST
Suzanne Hee Mayberry, The Sewing Garage · Tarpon Springs, FL
I learned to sew at an early age from my mother, although she says I got my creative talent from her two sisters: my Aunt Charlotte (an artist) and my Aunt Pauline (a quilter, knitter, and crochetter). At the local rec center, I took a beginning sewing class and still remember the ruffled patchwork pillow I made. I enjoyed sewing in Home Economics in middle school, making puppets and a pretend chocolate cake with icing. In high school, I continued to practice my sewing skills, making garments for myself, including jean skirts, shorts, and even my prom dress.
In college, I continued my love for sewing and started making quilts. I had the honor of taking an art class with Faith Ringgold, a painter, writer, speaker, mixed media sculptor, and performance artist who is probably best known for her narrative quilts. Combining art, storytelling and quilting, she was able to tell her story in a new way, which was so inspirational.
I love textiles, creating, learning new techniques, and making up things as I go along. I wish to share this joy through my work and with others.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I began my natural dye journey the spring of 2019 when Southern California experienced an extraordinary super bloom. Beautiful wildflowers and plants sprouted across the foothills and local wilderness parks. Using safe and ethical foraging methods, I gathered my plant materials and made some botanical brews. I dyed batches of 100% cotton rope and sewed this new textile together and made a new collection of coiled baskets and bowls.
This has definitely been a learning experience. I got a good lesson on chemistry, and the results have been amazing! I've been having fun making a new textile that is free of harmful chemicals with ingredients that can be composted. I continue my color journey with native plants here in Florida. I hope to make some new botanical friendships with wildflowers and plants and share the incredible results with all of you!
www.thesewinggarage.com · @thesewinggarage
[Updated September 2023]
A sneak peek of Suzanne’s studio and process:
