Artist in the Spotlight: Sue Lewis

 
How did you get started in creating art?  I trace my artistic journey back to a paint by number kit I received for Christmas when I was 8 years old.  I had paint left over, so I created my own picture.

What is your favorite medium and why?  I love working with textiles because of the texture, color and variety.  I enjoy manipulating it to create something tangible that did not exist before.
 

What are your favorite subjects?  You will see a lot of leaves and trees in my work.  I am inspired by nature and appreciate the Japanese concept of "wabi sabi" or the imperfection of nature.  

Do you have a vision for your work?  For a body of work that you would like to create?  I like to create an image or a mood that connects with the viewer.  I want to develop my own style that people will recognize.  I like to evoke an emotion or a memory for the viewer.  I have a series of wall hangings representing moss, water and lichen.  I love pursuing texture, using color and portraying the organic.

  Defying Gravity was exhibited at the "Lines into Shapes" exhibit at the Estes Park art center and Ripples on the Rio Grande has been selected to travel to several venues in 2018.  It is going to be part of an exhibit called "Life Along the Rio Grande" to be shown in New Mexico. 

 

How did you find out about the Lakewood Arts Council and Co-op?  My fellow fiber artist, Marcie Emily, suggested I investigate becoming a Co-op member.

What do you find most enjoyable or beneficial about being a member?  I enjoy meeting the other artists who have been so helpful and welcoming.  They are also very willing to share their own artistic journey.

What’s next on the horizon?  I am progressing into 3 dimensional work by making bowls, candle surrounds and functional items in an effort to branch out from 2-D work.

 

Has your work changed over the years?  In what way? I started out by making traditional bed quilts and quickly moved on to art quilts or wall hangings.  I have taken classes on fabric dyeing, painting, silk screening and have added unusual fibers and embellishments to my work.

Which artists from the past or living do you admire most? I admire Monet and Van Gogh for their use of color and brushstrokes.  I also love Dale Chihuly's glass sculptures.