Susana Mendez. About me and my art.
Loulé, Portugal, 1988.
I am Susana Mendez, a textile artist born and raised in the Algarve. Through hand weaving I found my form of expression, a space where gesture, rhythm and material become language. I draw inspiration from the unpredictability of nature, from its shapes, textures and colours, which have always been part of my life and memories.
Algarve textile artist.
My pieces explore different textures and volumes, inviting touch and evoking emotion. I grew up in a family of artisans and learned early on to value manual work and the time each piece requires. I studied Arts and graduated in Graphic Design, an area in which I worked for several years, always alongside projects connected to craft and design. Later I deepened my studies in Interior Design, which continues to influence the way I think about composition, scale and space.
Over time I immersed myself in the textile field and trained in hand weaving, tapestry and natural dyeing. From that moment on I dedicated myself fully to weaving, creating decorative and functional pieces for the home. In 2021 I founded the Susana Mendez Studio, where I develop my artistic work and welcome students for creative experiences.
I currently live in the Algarve, a territory that inspires me every day. I work only with natural fibres, some dyed with local plants in a conscious way. Wool is my main material. I use it both raw and hand‑spun, creating irregular yarns that give each piece a unique identity. Alongside natural fibres, I also reuse textiles and incorporate existing materials whenever possible, bringing them into my process in a responsible and creative way. I also work with plant fibres such as cotton, linen, jute and palm leaves, materials that are part of my family’s craft tradition.
My work is centred on hand weaving and tapestry, techniques where I find the rhythm and intention that guide my practice. I also explore other textile languages, such as embroidery, which enrich and complement my process.
Over the years I have had the opportunity to share this knowledge, which led me to professional training. I currently teach hand weaving, tapestry and embroidery, offering regular classes at Loulé Criativo and in my studio. I also take part in creative gatherings and residencies, developing collaborative work with other artists and designers.
Learn more about the workshops I teach.
inspiration.
Nature is my main source of inspiration. Its details, rhythms and imperfections accompany me throughout the creative process. In my work this organic inspiration merges with geometric and traditional patterns that emerge from the loom and reflect my background in design.
My pieces are an extension of nature, created to bring unique and comfortable atmospheres to a space. Many become statement elements through their texture, composition or visual presence.
raw material.
I work mainly with Portuguese wools, especially wool from the Algarvian churra sheep, an indigenous fibre often discarded by producers. Although coarser, it has a strong personality that challenges and inspires me. I use this wool raw or hand‑spun, creating irregular yarns full of texture.
I also integrate plant fibres such as cotton, linen and jute, and frequently use palm leaves, a way of repurposing leftovers from the palm craftwork my mother has been doing for decades.
studio.
In my studio, located in the Algarve, I develop hand‑woven pieces, small collections, custom work and creative experiences. It is a space for experimentation, where new patterns, ideas and processes emerge, one of the most challenging and stimulating phases of hand weaving.
You can explore my studio here.