Suzanne Shafer-Wilson
Contact Information
Career Objective
To maintain balance as an Artist, Teacher and Entrepreneur.
Education
Master of Arts, August, 1999
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL Emphasis-Three Dimensional Fiber
Bachelor of Science, May 1989
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
Certification- Art Education K-12
Current Position
Artist-Design and create Wire Needle Lace Vessels in copper and precious metals. Work with galleries and off my websites.
Self Employed-Design production and commission metal art. Sell through my website: www.sswdesigns.com.
Art Instructor-Streator Township High School, Streator, IL, 1992-May 2004. Taught Ceramics, Sculpture, Design, Drawing and Printmaking to grades 9-12.
Artist's Statement
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Pattern, Repetition, Texture and Control
Three Dimensional Wire Needle Lace Vessels
The Vessels I create represent a number of characteristics, related to the elements of design: Line, Pattern, Form, Texture and Repetition. They also represent Control and Predictability.
I know when I embark on the creation of a vessel, what shape it will take on, and what patterns I will set into it. It is the one thing I have complete control over in my life. It is easy to waste time doing meaningless things. We make choices every day on how we will consume our time.
When I finish a vessel, it is permanent. It to me is time well spent unwinding my brain waves. I like to call it synaptic kinesthetics. Here is a piece of my existence.
I can see patterns and for reasons not understood, like to set them up dimensionally. To me they should be in the round! They should stand up and be noticed. Georgia O’Keeffe painted apple blossoms many times larger than their original size; otherwise people would not look at them. I feel the same way about lace. Here we have intricate patterns, but they are usually so small, no one pays any attention to them at all. When they are made larger and in metal, they take on a completely different criterion. They are not a textile and will not disintegrate like textiles do. They are gem-like. People want to touch them and hold them and marvel in the intricacy and craftsmanship of the patterns.
Gallery Representation
Vale Craft Gallery, Chicago, IL
Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL
Exhibitions and Publications
The Crafts Report Cover, March 2006: Copper Wire Needle Lace Vessel
Illinois State Museum, exhibition catalog "Think Small" 2005.
Illinois State Museum, Chicago, Lockport, & Springfield, Think Small Invitational, September 1, 2004-February 3, 2006 - Have three small vessels on loan: Snake Skin Bone Vessel, Double Walled Vessel I, and Double Walled Vessel II.
Honorable Mention-Symbol of Milano, May 1997, Small Expressions exhibit, Canton Museum of Art, OH Sponsored by the Handweavers Guild of America Shuttle, Spindle & Dyepot, Fall 1997, Symbol of Milano, (A publication of HGA)
Honorable Mention-Evolution Vessel, May 1996, Small Expressions Exhibit, Gango Gallery, Portland, OR, Sponsored by the Handweavers Guild of America Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot, Fall 1996, Evolution Vessel
Professional Memberships
American Craft Council
Handweavers Guild of America
National Basketry Organization
Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL
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