Susan Woods is an artist and designer working from her studio Aswoon Susan Woods Studio, based in New York. Susan loves to work between the design and art worlds, inspiring others with her decorative (yet functional) art and sculptures. Her sculptures are enhanced by the freedom of making something usable and “concrete”, rather than abstract and not relating to everyday life. Through experimentation and playful insights Susan creates some stunning pieces for her commissioned clients. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Susan Woods.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
Coming from a fine arts, sculptural background, I am mainly interested in sculpture that forms a function co-incidentally. That I fell into the design world was quite by chance. I am not sure if I am a good designer, but, I hope I am making sculpture that sings. Too, seating which is comfortable is important on top of the sculptural element. Maybe this me apart from others.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
….a subject matter, a theme, a fact of life that I am processing, a thought or series of thoughts- then I start from there. I work with the material and fiddle around until something starts to make sense or have a magic.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I have had a couple/few teachers that taught me how to make art, how to see, the process that I should allow myself, the translation, the co-ordination, and so on. It is a great gift to be able to explain to a younger person how abstractions in art are real, how vision is reality and how to go from here to there through yourself. I have respect and admiration for teachers who have the gift and gumption to give that much of themselves and their knowledge to those who are seeking. After the decades past those moments when I “got” something, I still think and thank those who had the patience to explain something that I did not already know.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I look at books a lot when I am searching for a road that I am not sure exists.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I guess liking what I do has moved me toward this point. Keeping current of my interests in art and design keep the challenges a little more than I think I might be able to do, so I keep on pursuing. I don’t know if anyone would want to do what I have done- I would not suggest that. Being bravely honest and creative is the best advice I could give anyone. Get out in the world and create from the heart. Base yourself on the classics, know your visual history and jump- always.
