I have always had an artsy streak. I was even doing murals on the walls of the womb! I've worked in most all mediums. I've done many local craft fairs over the years, but I don't keep up with them anymore. I am tickled to have found Etsy!! What a great place to show our wares. In 1997, I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, which is an auto-immune disease that effects the communication between nerves and muscles. I had to retire on disability, and since then I have been crafting as much as I can to supplement my income and to keep busy. I started off painting critters on smooth rocks and then I began to sculpt them in clay. I'm an animal lover, so that interest worked well as inspiration.
How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
My craft closet, which badly needs 'destashing', can attest to my many interests artistically. I've tried most all mediums. There was even a period of time when I soft sculpted babies and sold them. But my most recent artistic endeavors have been influenced by the market. Folks love their dogs, and that was a deciding factor in what I could do to artistically represent them. I enjoy painting, and was successful at that, but then I discovered polymer clay, and that was all I needed!
What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
It is fun to take a lump of shapeless clay and turn it into a close likeness of an animal. It's fun to rise to any challenge, trying to create a way to achieve a certain pose, and of course it's always terrific to get good feedback from happy customers.
If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?
LOL! Well, I never thought of it this way. I suppose it would be an onion, with all the layers, waiting to be peeled back. My clay pets have really improved. When I first started making them, my son joked that they all looked like little zombies, and I have to agree that they did! HA!! I still have to laugh when I look at pictures from that time. But like with most anything, practice either makes perfect, or greatly improves your efforts.
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?
Well, I've ALWAYS loved glass. It mesmerizes me. Translucent, appearing to be fluid and yet solid! I would love to make lampwork items.
What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
I have a sense of whimsy and humor, and I hope that comes through in my sculptures. I hope that people can see the "personality" of their pets in special order pieces.
What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
Be patient. It takes time to develop you client base. Just because your items aren't flying off your virtual shelves, don't give up.
Thanks again, Sue, for taking the time to share your lovely creations, and giving us get a bit of "insight" as to what makes you the delightful person and artist that you are! You can learn more about Sue (a.k.a SOO), by clicking on her links below. You just might want to have her sculpt your favorite four-legged friend! How whimsical!
