Susan Tratechaud-Kurland

The inspiration for my work comes from the needlework that women have done over the centuries as creative expression at home and in the factory. Growing up and observing the interactions between my mother, grandmother and other women enlightened me to the common bonds women share. The different facets of sewing connected the women together as they shared their expertise, ideas and supplies with one another. The frustrations and tedium of the day seemed to fade away as they began their creative process.

My work relates to the memories I have of observing these interactions and my experiences with my mother and sister as we engaged in similar activities over the years. It speaks about the constraints that women have found themselves in

Susan Tratechaud Kurland is interested in 3-dimensional and the human figure as they pertain to women’s work. Ms. Tratechaud-Kurland has worked with textiles as a seamstress in theaters and private industry as well as a weaver. In addition to textile experience, she has completed her education in ceramic sculpture where these elements are combined to create her unique sculptures. It is through these experiences as well as the interactions she has shared with her mother, sister and friends working together in what has traditionally been thought of as women’s work that she draws her inspirations.