Suzan’s first fiber art was an act of desperation.  Having left a career in Information Technology to follow her dreams and study Fine Arts she realized that some drawing would be involved.  However when the final project for the Drawing 101 class was a self-portrait, she knew that just another charcoal portrait was not the right answer.

The instructor did not mandate the medium so she turned to fabric to “draw” the final project. After years of sewing garments, fabric was a comfortable and intuitive tool.  Black and white fabrics were pieced together creating a background reminiscent of drawing paper and charcoal; fused images formed the portrait.  The instructor was intrigued with this unique approach and Suzan received high marks for the class.  Most importantly, the door to the fiber arts was opened. 

Now years later, Suzan focuses on creating transitional fiber art; a collaboration of traditional quilting and contemporary fiber arts.  The juxtaposition of the human hand and technology is evident in the design and execution of her art quilts combining computerized designs with unique textiles, machine quilting, and hand painted fabrics.  For Suzan, to create is imperative; to create is to be an active participant in life.

Bio

Suzan holds degrees in Computer Science and Business Administration, as well as a Master’s degree in Fine Arts.   In part, it is this diverse background that contributes to her ability to balance business and innovation when creating a custom work of art for a client.

When not creating art quilts, Suzan is a Senior Designer at PDR, an architecture firm in Houston, Texas.  Suzan has taught art at the University of Houston, exhibited her work in the Blaffer Gallery and participated in the International Fiber Initiative.   Her art work is included in private collections in the United States and Great Britain.  Suzan may be reached at suzan@suzanengler.com.