Susan Purney Mark: Sacred Cloth

Join Susan Purney Mark on a journey of discovery while visiting many of the world's religions to see how they use fabric, thread and textiles in their rituals, ceremonies and beliefs. A closer look at the history of our relationship with cloth can bring insight and understanding to all people of faith. She lives in British Columbia.

As a textile artist, Susan has embarked on a life transforming journey into the world of colour, design and pattern. Working with textiles has become her method of self expression and the focus of her methods of communication. She has studied Design, Patchwork and Embroidery with the prestigious City & Guilds Institute of London, England and has studied with international teachers/quilt makers. Susan has also been awarded two Certificates in Art and Design and Textile Design/Decoration from the Gail Harker Creative Studies Centre in Washington, USA.  

Susan has spent the last 20 years learning, experimenting and finally teaching a variety of surface design techniques in dyeing, painting, screen printing and image transfers. Most recently she has focused on soy wax resists and has recently released an instructional DVD on many of the techniques she is currently teaching across North America. Her work is known for its use of traditional methods with contemporary design and materials.  When time permits, Susan is an avid kayaker and gardener as well as an active member of the fibre arts community in British Columbia and is a member of national/ international fibre and surface design associations and is a qualified quilt judge.