Hello, my name is Sue Lewry. I make screen prints live at events inviting passers-by to jump into the print run, using my digitally fabricated and handcrafted mobile screen-printing workshop called Colossal. I sell limited edition screen prints, take on commissions, editions and offer bespoke printmaking experiences.
In 2021 I graduated from the Arts University Plymouth achieving a Master's in Printmaking with distinction, I was awarded the Principle Commendation Award for a high level of engagement and excellence in externalising my practice-led research through social practice.
With your support and donation, I am looking to grow Colossal and offer print experiences in my community and beyond. This small-scale mobile workshop allows me to work with a cross-section of people in different places and spaces and share my passion for print!
Described by a public member as colourful, playful and conversational, my creative approach makes printmaking accessible and removes barriers to creative education and experimental moments.
My Colossal project engages the intergenerational community, including other artists, makers, graduates and hobbyists, to explore and connect through screen printing in a fun and innovative way.
It is a small-scale learning environment that nurtures creativity at any age, stage and ability—offering one-off experiences and professional development in screen printing techniques—bringing people together, establishing community connections and building creative confidence.
Colossal is a print project still in its early stages. With my own hands, I aim to create different equipment and tools necessary to expand and equip the mobile screen-printing workshop.
My creative approach engages both traditional and digital technology, and using my connections with individuals and organisations in the Plymouth area will enable me to realise my vision for Colossal.
I will collaborate with Plymouth-based maker-creator Matt Holmes and organisations like FabLab, a digital fabrication laboratory and The Albion Workshop.
Through digital fabrication and 3D printing techniques, my aim is to grow Colossal by making a portable drying rack, exposure unit and wash-out booth, and 3D printed tools to fully equip the workshop.
Everything will be digitally fabricated and constructed by hand and machine to meet the requirements for this small-scale mobile workshop. I will use the money raised to collaborate with local talent Holmeslogic (Matt who is mentioned above) to help me design everything using cutting-edge software.
The FabLab has the facilities to support me with 3D printing and the CNC machining of the designs and membership at The Albion Wood Workshop will give me access to electrical tools and the expertise of the staff.
I intend to spend the money locally in Plymouth, sourcing mostly sustainable materials from small independent businesses where I can. I will use Borrow Don't Buy in Plymouth's city centre, Cabinet Supplies in Stonehouse and Nuts and Bolts in Coxside.
My project has been shortlisted to be match-funded by Creative & Digital Plymouth through the iMayflower programme. Your support to hit the milestones (see below) can make this project happen.
I have made the foundations of the mobile print unit by investing my time, money and skills, including the mobile unit with drawers and storage, a stool and a display stand. I am now looking to expand by making additional equipment to offer a fully equipped mobile print space for people to access.
Your donation will go towards:
- Research and development
- Sustainable design coaching
- Design, production and delivery
- Commissioning maker-creator Matt Holmes
- FabLab technical support, 3D print, Laser cut and CNC machining hire
- Membership at The Albion Workshop
- Commission local creative professionals
- Digital Marketing
- Materials, tools and consumables
To make:
- Pop-up workshop platform installation
- A portable mobile exposure unit
- A portable drying rack
- Plywood squeegee rack
- 3D printed squeegee holder
- Colossal signage and surface design
- A portable washout booth
- 3D printed hooks for tools, shelves
- Lightbox
- iPad with procreate
- A4 Acetate printer
- Silk screens, squeegees
- Inks, binders and consumables
- Papers
Any additional money raised will be used to fund free sessions delivered by myself using Colossal, including materials for Plymouth-based community projects, offering hands-on screen-printing using Colossal. This final part of the funding will be aimed at people who experience barriers to creative education.
I plan to achieve my project aims in two stages; the first phase will be completed by June 2023, and the second phase by December 2023.
Delivery of Plymouth-based community projects will commence in late 2023.
(Outset Business support in Plymouth will give me ongoing support to manage project)
As a huge thank you for believing in this project, I have a range of rewards for you to select. In addition, all my crowdfunding supporters will be invited to a VIP preview event at my studio in Plymouth, where you can see what I have made and be the first to make a special takeaway print.
£4 Reward - Become part of the VIP Colossal crowd
Your name will appear and become part of the Colossal pop-up workshop installation for everyone to see, and it will become ingrained in this ongoing creative project.
£8 Reward - One mini hand-pulled screen-print
A6 monoprint is perfect for a standard-size frame. Cute and playful - nice as a pair!
£12 Reward - Offcut original screen-prints
Offcuts are mounted on A6 perfect for a standard-size frame.
Being resourceful and re-purposing old editions of screen-prints inspired this range of mini originals called ‘Offcut’. The ethos of Colossal is to make print accessible and affordable for everyone.
My most popular print collection, each one is cut down from a larger multi-layered screen print. Each one is unique and shares the same colour palette. If you buy more than one, I'll select a combination for you. Below are examples, yours will be a surprise.
£16 Reward - Sharing the Love!
A5 handmade screen print! At Colossal sharing my love of print and the joy that brings to me is at the core of everything I do!
£16 Reward - Sharing the Joy!
A5 handmade screen print! At Colossal sharing my love of print and the joy that it brings to me is at the core of everything I do!
£32 Reward - Limited edition signed print
A3 Limited edition of 50 screen-print. Signed and numbered by Colossal. An update on the abstract print shown below, it will share the same colour palette of shimmery gold, grey and blush pink. Neutral and stylish for any interior.
£250 Reward - Bespoke screen-printing experience
Get hands-on with me! We will work together on your idea to create a two-colour A3 screen print digitally or by hand. You'll join me in my studio at Alma Yard, Plymouth, for a day or two half days to make it happen.
I'll guide and inspire you every step of the way, and on top, you'll get to take away beautifully handmade screen prints to show off to friends and family or as a gift for someone special. You can claim this reward up to July 22nd 2023.
This Crowdfunder is an 'All or Nothing' project. My target is £500 with a stretch target of £5,000 to reach all the project aims (listed above). I only receive pledges if I hit my mark.
I will deliver rewards by 30th September 2022.
You can claim your Colossal screen-printing experience by 22nd July 2023.
Thank you so much for being part of the CROWD that can make this happen. Please spread the word about my project by donating and sharing it with your friends and family.
@colossal_by_suelewry
#colossalcrowdfunder #thecolossalcrowd
www.suelewry.com
@suelewry
Thank you for taking the time to read about my project.