Sue Rhodes-Simpson

Portrait of Sue Rhodes-Simpson

Attic Batik: Sue Rhodes-Simpson, Northern England Representative of the Batik Guild.

I discovered batik as a night class when I was 19 years old. I continued batiking at night school for a further 5 years, such was my immediate love for the craft. I first became a member of the Batik Guild back in 2004. I found drawing with hot wax to be a versatile and surprising medium. I still enjoy the unexpected results revealed by this often unpredictable media. This aspect brings freedom & challenge to my ‘learned’ orderly nature.

Much of my inspiration comes from the decorative arts, nature, pattern-design & sacred-geometry. I typically work on a small-scale in fine detail, with boldly contrasting colour, shape & often with repetition. I enjoy the order in the Cosmic Universe and I like to echo that in my work.

In 2024-25 I am seeking to allow more chaos into my work, and to examine the association between these two opposing forces. I wish to explore the relationship within ongoing cycles of polarity, whilst finding my own equilibrium in a seemingly increasing unharmonious & disorderly society. All these aspects are the creative expressions of my psyche; constantly driving my attention and maintaining my interest the most.

Currently, I teach batik from my home-studio Attic Batik in Ripley, Derbyshire, UK. I also teach groups & societies at other venues across the Midlands and the North of England. Fun Fact: I taught batik LIVE on BBC Radio, describing the craft and showing the process to BBC Derby Presenter Rachel New, as she worked alongside me!