Brushstrokes And Stitches

Susan Hillman 2009

“In my mind, the two processes of ‘abstract painting’ and ‘knitting’ are very similar. Both are traditions, based on craft, which represent values of distinct social groups. It is the straightforwardness of the handmade objects resulting from both practices and their relation to the public and private (domestic) sphere, which produce unique value today.

“To embrace the hermetic, the decorative and the formal as content is neither ironic nor blindly traditional and is a deliberate and pertinent choice for my current working method as a visual artist.

“Abstract painting is a language that cannot be translated into entertainment, data or easily discernible subject matter. Each individual brushstroke in a painting preserves an identity in real time midst a mass-culture exploding with speed, replication, technology, and immediate gratification. In contrast, I become focused and thrilled at the ontological aspect of making these brushed marks.

“Similarly each stitch knotted, netted and knitted is attended to and woven/sewn into a larger whole. The application of this process also becomes all engrossing and in the moment, and results in bi-products whether conceptual or usable, which are surprising."