Artist Profile
Education & Training
From an early age Susanna was passionate about her creativity. In high school, she entered numerous student exhibitions with success while completing a college level drawing and painting course. With talent and dedication, she was accepted into prestigious institutions such as, Cornell University , Rhode Island School of Design, Carnegie Mellon, and Syracuse University who also awarded her a Merit Scholarship. In 1991 Susanna enrolled in the Visual and Performing Arts College at Syracuse University ready to begin building her career. Considering her desire to find commercial applications for her work, she decided to focus on both illustration and surface pattern. After studying with respected artists such as Murray Tinkleman, Bob Dacey and Roger DeMuth, Susanna earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree.
Illustration & Surface Pattern Experience
Susanna has designed and supplied finished art for a variety of stationery, home décor and gift products such as journals, greeting cards, gift wrap, area rugs and throw pillows. She has had the opportunity to work with a broad range of reputable companies on a freelance and royalty basis including C.R. Gibson Co., Glitterwrap Inc., Marian Heath Greeting Cards, Russ Berrie Inc., Amscan Inc., MBI Inc., Inscribe, CPP International and others.
Between 1997 and 2001 Susanna was employed by accessory designer Cynthia MacCollum at Hang The Moon Art, where she helped to research, inspire and create multiple hand-painted silk scarf lines annually. The scarves were ultimately sold in fine department stores such as Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom's, as well as hundreds of fine boutiques from coast to coast.
Working with Riegel Mount Vernon Textiles Inc., Susanna designed and created the artwork for several lines of nursery baby bedding. Coordinating collections included a comforter, bumper guard, dust ruffle, sheeting and receiving blankets. Selections of these items may be found in popular, major retail stores across the country.
Fine Art & Exhibitions
- Corporate Collections - Riegel Mount Vernon Textiles Inc., Carolina Pad and Paper
- Antiques of Darien Exhibition - Darien , CT
- Rowayton Arts Center - Board Member, participant in juried shows- Awarded Honorable Mention for ‘Birds'
- Housewarmings Fine Gift Shop - Greenwich , CT ,
- Sound Federal Savings Bank Exhibition - Greenwich , CT
- Bistro Du Soleil Exhibition - Rowayton , CT
- Commissions - New England homes, scenic landscapes and commercial properties
Inspiration
The fine artist in Susanna is mostly inspired by the classic, seasonal beauty found among New England 's landscape, architecture and coastline. One of her favorite places to depict in her paintings is Nantucket , MA . During regular childhood vacations there she grew to adore the island, and has been captured by its abundant and unique charm ever since. In contrast, the illustrator side of her follows influential periodicals such as Elle Décor, Martha Stewart Living, House and Garden and numerous catalog retailers while combing local specialty boutiques for the latest color, motif and decorating trends.
