A life long fascination with color and clothing design led Susan Neal to
weaving. She began exhibiting colorful textured hand-woven garments at the national level in
1975. Coming from a tradition of fine woodworking, Steve Thurmond joined her in 1995. His
interest in the technical possibilities of handlooms and his excellent craftsmanship made for a
fruitful collaboration.
Susan designs wearable art with an intention for comfort and elegance. She dyes or paints by
hand 75 percent of the yarns that make up their richly colored and patterned fabrics. Steve
designs complex computer aided patterns that he weaves on AVL 16 harness looms. They use only
the highest quality natural fibers in their work. After many years of specializing in satin
weave silks, recently they have experimented with the sculptural possibilities of double weave
and the felting properties of wool.
Since 1975, Susan has exhibited nationally in such prestigious shows as the Philadelphia Museum
of Art Craft Show, The American Craft Exposition, The Smithsonian Craft Show, American Craft
Council Shows (beginning with Rhinbeck), and in galleries around the country. In addition to
her weaving, Susan has a Master of Arts degree in Art Therapy.
