Suzanne Carlsen
{Many thanks to Katrin Lepik from Mukodu who wrote this interesting read about Suzanne Carlsen}
I(=Katrin Lepik) was so inspired upon first glance of Suzanne Carlsen's work that I had to photograph and write about it... and eventually own some of it. The challenge of ownership is which to choose? It’s all stunning. The subject matter is fun and quirky. Her execution is impeccable. The level of detail is divine. Suzanne makes these beautiful little pieces completely by hand. She sews the illustrations and hammers, cuts and files the metal casings by hand to cradle the work. Take a look.
Not only are these pieces beautiful to look at they are also wearable! As can be seen in the last photograph the computer is a brooch that you can put back up in the framed background scene, when you are not wearing it. Now that’s brilliant. The crest has a beautiful pin on top to attach it to your clothing. I love the heat lamp with the curly chord heating the food: hotdogs and banana splits anyone?
Who is this person who sews with such precision, loves colour, quirky objects and urban scenes?
Suzanne Carlsen grew up in a creative family in Kelowna, British Columbia. Her mother was a sewer, who was always working on a quilt, some clothing for the family or a costume for one of Suzanne's dance performances. Both of Suzanne's grandfathers were artists: a painter and a woodworker. When young Suzanne came home from school she could often be found drawing or rummaging through piles of enticing fabric scraps for her next sewing project. She was obsessed with fabrics. Her interest in sewing started early; by the time she was 10 she was cross-stitching and had sewn herself a bag with a full zipper installation.
Suzanne’s followed her skill and interest to Toronto’s OCAD to study textile design, metal work and ceramics. Toward the end of OCAD she began turning her drawings into stitched lines, eventually to simply stitch images freehand without drawings. Check out some of Suzanne’s recent stitching skill:
For her thesis Suzanne proposed a theme of nostalgic images and stories. She approached her thesis by using heraldry and crests to fit with her themes of longing for the past. Her thesis resulted in 10 pieces of magnificent wearable jewellery, each with a stitched drawing and a metal component. The nostalgic scenes included two amusement park scenes, teacups, food oriented images, cakes and desserts. (the crowning pin that holds the tea cup crest is removable). Another nostalgic project was her telephone-themed collection of old telephones... of course there are no mobile phones in the collection as constant interruption is nothing to long for.
Here are some samples from her “Alternative Transportation” series which originally included every alternative mode of transportation you could imagine, and some that you wouldn’t: She also created some cuff links with various activities, including kit flying and a hot air balloon ride (although she had not been in a hot-air balloon herself, she always dreamed of it). She has also made a few rings. The images she uses come from a desire to explore and a propensity for questioning the definition of preciousness: what is precious and how do people identify with what is precious?
Since graduating from OCAD Suzanne has been busy expanding her collection of enticing objects of stitching and metal and exploring broader themes within similar shapes and forms: crests, medals and medallions. She has been introducing new themes as of late, toward urban scenes and cityscapes, reflecting her thoughts about the never- ending development that surrounds her during her daily Toronto bicycle commute.
Suzanne's pieces reflect her thoughts: some have political undertones, while all have an undertone of wit, bordering on sarcasm. On the backs of each piece Suzanne stitches a title along with the odd secret message and sometimes just her name. Sometimes pieces have secret compartments…
Watch for this superstar in the future. The End. {Thanks again Katrin}
Do you know a great artist or designer in your neighbourghood and would you like to write a read about him or her, please send me an email, thanks irene.
