From the archives: Inky impressions with Sue Brown

Every artist must own that idea – just do it. There isn’t a right decision or a wrong decision, there’s just the decision.

– Sue Brown
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From the archives: Inky impressions with Sue Brown
British printmaker Sue Brown invites us into a richly textured world of birds, sheds and story-filled sketchbooks. Working primarily with collograph printmaking, Sue transforms humble materials into layered works that celebrate the natural world and our place within it. This episode explores her deep love of birds, the beauty of experimentation, and the collaborative quilt project that connected makers across the globe.

Show Notes

Takeaways from this episode

  • Nature and memory are entwined.
    Sue’s fascination with birds began in childhood, bonding with her father over garden visits and bird books. Her prints continue this dialogue with the natural world, often placing birds in human environments to reflect our shared spaces.
  • Sketchbooks are pages of potential.
    For Sue, sketchbooks are not polished artefacts, but evolving spaces for experiments, half-formed ideas, and quiet discoveries. She sees them as essential to her creative process.
  • Collograph is a democratic art form.
    Using cardboard, glue, and texture, Sue shows how collograph printmaking can be powerful, expressive – and safe enough to do at home. “It’s very flexible,” she says. “You can use almost anything.”
  • Connection can be stitched.
    During lockdown, Sue launched a global quilt project using printed and stitched collographs. With over 600 contributors, the resulting artwork became a symbol of creative resilience and shared experience.
  • Teaching feeds making.
    As much as Sue loves creating, she’s energised by teaching. “I couldn’t do what I do if I didn’t teach,” she reflects. “It’s about community, and learning from how others push the boundaries.” 

Join the conversation

What inspired you this episode? Share your biggest insight or favourite moment by tagging @TakeTwoArtCourses on social media or using #FibreArtsPodcast

Explore the artwork from this episode below

During the live interview, we shared some images of Sue’s artwork. Since you’re listening to the podcast version, we’ve made these images available for you below. 

1 Sue Brown - Friday Feature Artist
2 Sue Brown - Friday Feature Artist
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8 Sue Brown - Friday Feature Artist
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11 Sue Brown - Friday Feature Artist
12 Sue Brown - Friday Feature Artist
13 Sue Brown - Friday Feature Artist
14 Sue Brown - Friday Feature Artist
15 Sue Brown - Friday Feature Artist
16 Sue Brown - Friday Feature Artist
17 Sue Brown - Friday Feature Artist
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1 min read

By Picture of Angela Truscott Angela Truscott
Sep 29 2025

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