At down etc, we’re inspired by trailblazers in any aspect of life; we love working with and learning from them. This month, our Artist Series welcomes Susan Wechsler, a mixed media mosaic artist. Susan not only displays and sells her one-of-a-kind pieces around the globe but also shares her unique approach to mosaic in videos on her website, www.mosaicsbysusan.com.
Born with a passion for making art, she expresses that passion through techniques she has developed as a self-taught mosaic artist working with the discarded treasures she finds at flea markets, antique malls, and everywhere in between.
Constantly challenging herself to create fresh new work, each series of pieces she creates has its own focus. The “Portrait of Hope,” above, is one in her American Icons series. What her works share is Susan’s unique eye for the way in which broken pieces of china, bits of rusted metal, and beads can be brought together with putty to create a unique and cherished piece of art.
We were delighted to have the opportunity to ask Susan a few questions about her art, as well as what role sleep and dreams play in her work and art.
Who are you and what do you do?
I am a mixed media mosaic artist globally known for my unique techniques. My hometown is Cincinnati, Ohio, where I grew up on a farm. I now live in the beautiful, authentic mountain town of Evergreen, Colorado. I have a BFA from the University of Michigan, which chose me to start up their Art program at their new state of the art campus. From there, I went on to earn an MFA from NYU in Theatre Arts. A short stint in theatre in NYC and film in HOLLYWOOD before I turned back to my first love—fine arts.
What inspires you and informs your art?
I discovered mosaics when sitting around my grandma's dining table after her passing— no one wanted her china. Sitting there, I recalled all the big family gatherings when my grandma Lily would pull out her fine china. I took it all home, discovered some pieces were broken, and made something from her discarded treasures. A new art vision was born. I have been doing mosaics for over 30 years. When I began, there were only hobbyists; now, I am at the forefront of mosaics as a fine art form.
What is your dream project, assuming no financial or time limitations?
Every day, I go to my dream job! I have my own studio/gallery in Old Town Evergreen. We get lots of visitors who buy my art right off my walls. My work is in private collections around the world and now in large mountain homes. I enjoy working on a large scale but only for interior spaces. My palettes are gems, beads, crystals, vintage Chanel findings, glass, tiles and so much more to tell my visual stories. My dream is to have a flow of my work finding forever homes and never having to stop creating.
Flower Power
At down etc, we believe sleep informs what we do when we are awake. It provides the rest we need to create, and it can bring the dreams that become the focus of our creations. We’re always curious about the artists who inspire us and how they sleep, from the rituals they use to prepare for bed to the bedroom environment they create for themselves. That led us to ask Victoria a few questions about how she sleeps.
Do you sleep only at night, or do you take naps during the day?
I love a good nap, outside, listening to the sound of our waterfall with my 5lb Pomeranian, Bear, curled up on my chest. Best time of the day to regenerate all of my creative juices.
What are your nighttime rituals: How do you prepare for bed? Do you drink tea, meditate, read, or something else?
My husband and I take a walk with Bear and then we drink some tea. I fall right to sleep as soon as I curl up in bed. That fresh mountain air does it for me!
Enchanted Forest
What is your sleep environment?
Do you need the room completely dark? Does that require a sleep mask?
I occasionally wear a mask; I do like a dark room so I always draw the curtains. The windows remain open to draw in the fresh mountain air.
Do you need silence, white noise, or music to fall asleep? Does that require ear plugs?
My husband needs to play white noise. We have a huge waterfall in our yard, so I prefer listening to just that.
Do you sleep hot or cold?
I sleep hot and cold—it is an age thing.
What type of nighttime apparel do you prefer, or do you sleep in the buff?
I sleep in my husband's t-shirt because it smells of him.
Do you have trouble sleeping? If so, what do you do to help yourself sleep more or better?
No
Poppy Love
How many hours of sleep do you get? How many do you need?
I get 8 hours of sleep—that works for me.
Are you an early riser?
I like to go to sleep early and to rise early—the mornings are my most productive time.
What type of mattress do you prefer?
I like a soft mattress.
What type of sheets and bedding do you prefer?
All down etc products!
What is your favorite down etc product?
Down everything is my favorite.
Hacienda Fountain
Do you dream when you sleep? Do you remember your dreams? Do you write them down?
Sometimes I dream about my mosaics and whichever piece is on my worktable...
How does sleep figure into your work/art? Can you feel/see the difference in your day/work/art when you have slept badly or well?
A good night's sleep is essential for a clear creative mind. If I haven't slept well the night before, I will do some boring task like grouting in my studio because I won't feel very creative.
Bonus Question: What superpower would you have and why?
My superpower is empowering women with their own creative voice.
Susan in Her Studio
Learn more about Susan and watch her create her mosaics:
Website: www.mosaicsbysusan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.wechsler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mosaicsbysusan/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mosaicsbysusan/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6lqlvfGAy4cL3XLQxF7EYQ
Cover Image: Portrait of Hope
