SUZANNE WATZMAN 76 AP

Tamaryn Design

Based in Cambridge, MA

How does your current creative practice tie into your time spent at RISD?

My creative practice is fueled by persistent and constant exploration, along with my serious commitment to make the world a better place. This “out-of-the-box” approach, ongoing questioning and looking at the world from 360 degree was encouraged at RISD, especially in my program and in particular by my professors.

What are some of the most important practices for your creative process?

“There are a number of aspects that are rewarding in my current practice, but primarily, my research, speaking and working toward a sustainable, respectful economy keeps me moving forward. This has led me to live and travel Asia, India and beyond, with an unrelenting curiosity about different cultures and traditions, particularly as articulated in their arts and hand work. I have fallen in love, literally, with the textiles and those who create them, most of whom are women. My experiences and relationships keep me focussed on a practice that is a positive force in the world.
To be honest, what changed my entire practice was the research I did for a presentation at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts Fashion Symposium in October, 2018. My presentation “”Recycling, Sustainability and Reclaimed Materials in the Fashion Industry””, led me to the statistic that the fashion industry is the 2nd most polluting industry in the world. This has never left my mind. As I traveled in India, Vietnam and Thailand this winter, I could see that is has really changed the way I work, with whom I work, and what I design and make.
This is exciting, energizing and very rewarding, to see people who also get this and are making changes in how they do business as well.”

Tell us about some of your main sources of inspiration.

I find visiting other cultures, in particular in developing countries- inspiring, seeing and learning from artisans and their traditions, and how this is reflected in artifacts, textiles, observances, etc.
Color and decoration seen and used in wildly different ways, places and combinations.”

Any recent press, exhibitions, achievements or awards you’d like to share with us?

I spoke at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts’ Symposium on Fashion- “Recycling, Sustainability and Reclaimed Materials in the Fashion Industry”. My research for that presentation changed the direction of my textile design practice.

Is there a work/body of work that you are particularly excited about sharing with us at RISD Craft this year?

I am particularly excited about my new work- using reclaimed materials, new dyeing techniques and whatever happens between now and October 12!

To see more of Suzanne’s work, visit tamaryndesign.com