Saskatchewan artist teaching Summer Art Workshop

This summer, “Turbo Tie Dye” is part of Red Deer Polytech’s Series Summer Arts Workshops happening July 22 to 26. It’s taught by Susan M. Clark, an artist based in Saskatoon and Eston, who works primarily with recycled textiles.

Participants are invited to bring a cotton t-shirt they would like to revitalize with colour. T-shirt tie dyeing is just a tiny portion of the course, but it’s included to offer participants a chance to learn something easy and fun for family reunions, parties and camps. The week will really focus on dyes for animal fibres such as silk and wool because of the brilliant, jewel-like colours and incredible stitch and tie patterns that can be achieved. Reuse and recycling are paramount, and some samples will be silk scraps and remnants, but everyone will take home at least one hand-hemmed silk scarf.  

Over the years, Susan has taught Shibori Dye and Silk Painting workshops, and she decided to “re-brand” this course to encompass even more exploration into colour, pattern, dyes, and textile embellishment. Participants will have an opportunity to see Susan’s homemade fabric steamer, learn more about suppliers, and what techniques are currently trending.

Thirty-five years ago, Susan first experienced the summer arts program at Red Deer College. She spent a week studying with Bill Morton, who worked about 14 years in a kimono dyeing studio in Kyoto, Japan. Susan enjoyed the program so much she returned to do the same course a few years later. It’s convenient to stay on campus in the residence townhouses, and the campus Farside Grill is open daily.

Susan ended up so interested in silk painting that her interests eventually took her to Japan. It is there that she met her husband who is from Eston.

Susan M. Clark’s artwork can be seen in a group show at the Eye Gallery, 1132 College Dr. in Saskatoon from June 1 to 29, and as part of “Interplay,” an exhibition at the Dairy Barn Arts Center in Athens, OH, from June 28 to Sept. 4.