For Susanne Lange, creativity had always existed in the margins of a full and demanding life. After decades working in social education, art was something she returned to in fragments - workshops here, techniques there - never quite finding the time or space to let it fully take shape.
What she sensed, however, was that something was missing. Despite her curiosity and experimentation, her work lacked cohesion. There was no clear direction, no unifying thread connecting one piece to the next. Creativity was present, but it felt scattered.
That changed when Susanne discovered Take Two.
Susanne first encountered Claire Benn through Take Two’s Friday Feature Artist talks. What began as a casual viewing quickly became something more resonant. There was a familiarity in Claire’s approach - a way of speaking about materials, process, and intuition that felt aligned with what Susanne had been searching for, even if she hadn’t yet named it.
Enrolling in Out of This Earth, Susanne didn’t arrive with fixed expectations. Instead, she stepped into the course with openness and curiosity, allowing herself to be guided rather than driven. What followed was not a dramatic overnight transformation, but a steady and deeply meaningful shift.
Rather than being taught what to make, Susanne felt supported in discovering how she wanted to work.
“Before the course, I had no clear idea of what I wanted to create,” she reflects. “I kept trying something new, with no common thread in what I was making.”
One of the most significant aspects of Susanne’s experience was the sense of accompaniment she felt throughout the course. Claire’s presence was not directive but quietly attentive, creating a space where exploration felt safe and encouraged.
This sense of being supported allowed Susanne to let go of fear and expectation. She began to experiment freely, trusting her instincts and giving herself permission to slow down. Materials became central to this shift.
Working with natural pigments, linen, and earth-based elements, Susanne found herself drawn to environmentally conscious processes. Making her own paints and engaging physically with materials became part of a practice that felt grounded, tactile, and deeply personal.
“Claire’s ability to accompany me in discovering my own possibilities was fantastic,” Susanne shares. “I felt like she was by my side throughout the entire course.”
As Susanne’s confidence grew, so too did a sense of ease within her practice. Textile art was no longer something she dipped into on the side - it became a central and sustaining part of her life.
Perhaps most notably, her mindset shifted. Where once she felt pressure to make work that carried a clear message or statement, she now allows intuition to lead. The need to explain or justify her work softened, replaced by a quieter, more inwardly guided approach.
“The art I create now is characterised by more inner peace and relaxation,” she says. “I follow my intuition and allow myself time to explore.”
This freedom has been transformative. By releasing the expectation to sell or produce outcomes, Susanne gave herself permission to experiment openly, strengthening her artistic identity and deepening her connection to her work.
An unexpected and deeply valued part of Susanne’s journey has been the community she found through Take Two. Connecting with other Berlin-based artists who have also completed Take Two’s courses, she now participates in peer reviews, shares feedback, and exchanges ideas in a supportive and collaborative environment.
These connections have not only expanded her artistic dialogue but also reinforced her sense of belonging within a wider creative community. Together, the group is even considering a joint exhibition - a prospect that reflects both confidence and collective momentum.
“My artistic self-confidence has grown significantly,” Susanne notes, along with her understanding of image-making and design.
Susanne is in the process of building a new studio - a physical space to match the clarity she has found within her practice. Surrounded by pigments, fabrics, and linen threads, she feels anchored and inspired, with ideas ready to take form in their own time.
Although she describes herself as still being at the beginning, there is a sense of grounded assurance in the way she speaks about her future.
“Even though I’m still at the beginning, I feel this type of creative design will inspire and accompany me for the rest of my life.”
Susanne’s story is a reminder that transformation doesn’t always arrive loudly. Sometimes it unfolds quietly - through patience, support, and the courage to trust what has been waiting beneath the surface all along.
In Out of this Earth, Claire Benn invites you to explore the fusion of Earth Pigments, Soya, and Cloth in art. This online workshop emphasizes eco-friendly practices and mindful creation, encouraging you to connect with nature through the use of natural media and soy milk binders. You’ll learn to master unique colour palettes and advanced composition techniques, processing both dry and wet pigments to create visually impactful art that resonates with your personal style. The course also delves into the art of composition and stitching in abstract art, enabling you to create captivating, contemporary pieces while exploring various finishing and presentation methods.