Interview with Artists and Art Instructor, Susie Winton

 

tiles, clay, mixed medium, each tile 21/4"

1. Who are you and what do you do, and what is your background?
I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and first came to Atlanta as an undergraduate at Emory. After college, I traveled, married, taught school in Chicago, and eventually moved back to Atlanta.
I’ve always drawn and painted and made things, but it was only after our children had grown that I found my way to graduate school (Georgia State) and an MFA degree.

cans, gauche, water color, ink, graphite on paper, each image 6"x 6"

pin, gauche, water color, collage, found object on paper, 12"x12"

2. What's integral to your art and or art career?
The flotsam and jetsam of life around me. I live in town and walk a lot and find all kinds of small things that people have left behind. Having grown up in the south in the fifties when home was where a woman belonged and a woman used whatever was available, I’m also drawn to the scraps and detritus of my own clutter.
I’m an instructor at Chastain Art Center; teaching is definitely integral to my art. I learn from my students and have there a community of friends committed to the arts.

3.What themes do you pursue and what medium do you use
I like to single things out but often present multiples. I use my finds as a sort of contemporary archeology, an indication of our inventiveness and our waste, evidence of what we value and what we leave behind. I use whatever mediums work with my concept: clay, paper, paint, and printing inks, along with found objects and materials.

4. What makes you angry, what makes you happy?
War makes me angry, and holding on line for the att dsl customer rep.
Being in my studio makes me happy, and being with family and friends. My classes. Our outdoor shower.

5. Who and what inspire you in your work and or in your life in general?
The memory of artists and instructors who encouraged and helped me when I returned to school. Friends and family. All those brave people who stand up for what is good and right in spite of adversity.

6. What superpower would you want?
Hmm…so many unintended consequences there. But I think it would be really cool to fly.

7. What is your favorite artists and or other person?
Sean Scully, Kurt Schwitters, Agnes Martin, Cornelia Parker, Cy Twombly (especially his prints)

8. What advice would you give to other artists.
I’ve really enjoyed my time in residencies and artist fellowships. I would recommend doing that if the opportunity is there.

9. Contact details if any?
suwinton@bellsouth.net, susiewinton.com

 scatter, clay, mixed medium, found objects and materials, largest piece 61/2"x 81/2"