My name is Sue Hurman. I make art dolls.

I have been an archaeologist and archaeological illustrator. Working for English Heritage, The Museum of London and The Institute of Archaeology. I have made and designed stencils, sold paint and framed pictures. I have run art clubs for children. I have exhibited in Leicester City Gallery.

In 2018 I exhibited and sold an art doll, Claire Has Measles at The Royal Academy Of Arts Summer Exhibition.

I am entirely self taught. I have always drawn and made things and sewn.

One of my first jobs was as an archaeologist, progressing to archaeological illustrator, producing publication drawings of artefacts excavated by the Museum of London. After 11 years I left London and moved to Brighton. Here, I worked selling paint, and designing stencils. Whilst working I painted and sold my work.

One day, I made a little stuffed cat with a printed face and painted body. A friend saw it and fell in love. This was the beginning of my art doll and sculpture creations. I like to vary the creatures I make and make each one individual.

I think I really learned to look at things and see them clearly whilst working as an illustrator. Selling paint helped me see colour properly for the first time. Stencil design helped me to simplify line and create shape using one stroke of the pencil. All my different jobs have made me the artist I am today and their influence shows in my work. I love working with children and particularly enjoy the simplicity of their vision.

My process usually begins with either printing a face onto cloth or making a clay face. I draw outlines of body shapes directly onto the cloth and sew the doll by machine. I paint and embroider onto my work, using gold leaf, thread, wire and beads to embellish. I love the versatility that cloth brings. It can be folded and crumpled or stretched and sewn, it can be glued, cut, ripped, dyed and painted: the combinations are endless. All these processes can take from one day to several weeks to execute. I am currently using ripped strips of cotton to create bandage like wrappings, which are dyed and stained using a variety of media.

When I am making I am content. All I have ever wanted to do and all I ever will do, is to make beautiful things.