Susan Fletcher King - Houston, TX

1. What do you call yourself - art wise? I think of myself as an artist first and foremost.  Many years ago I was a graphic designer and illustrator, but even with those titles, I always thought of myself as simply an "artist". 
2.  How do you jump start your creativity when you are in a slump? If it's a bad slump, sometimes I just have to go with it.  I will actually leave my studio, close the door and give myself permission not to return for a few days.  That is usually all it takes, and when I finally "allow" myself to return, I'm excited and ready to create once more.     
3.  If money wasn't an issue, what would you do with your art?  I would probably experiment a lot more and not look at producing my art with quite as much of a "commercial" eye.
4.  Do you keep a sketchbook, journal, etc.?  No.  I haven't ever been very good or faithful with a sketchbook or journal.  I haven't kept one since I was required to when I was in art school.
5.  Where can people see your other work this year?  shows, books, magazines, etc.
I show my work at The Copper Shade Tree Gallery in Round Top, Texas.
6.  Do you teach?   I used to teach graphic design at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts  in Houston.  But now I'm too busy, and very protective of my limited free time.
7.  Is there a particular artist who had influenced you in your art life? and why?
There are so many artists that have influenced me but the one who comes to mind right now is Velda Newman.   Ever since I started with fabric and sewing, I have been amazed and ecstatic whenever I see anything by her.  Each of her pieces is truly stunning.  The scope, size, detail, colors, composition -   all breathtaking.
8. Where or what show do you hope your work will be in someday?  Visions and Quilt National, of course.  But ultimately, I'd really love to say that my work is hanging in a museum.
9.  Describe your studio workspace.  I have a room in our house that we originally called the "Bonus Room". When my husband and I bought the house, we had forgotten about this small  room in the back of the house.  When we moved in, it was an extra or "bonus" space which I originally claimed as a storage area for all my old unused art supplies.  It is now a totally remodeled space with large north-facing windows, excellent storage... and not a square inch to spare!
10.  What 3 tools could you not live without?  I can't live without my Bernina sewing machine, a ruler, rotary cutter and paint brushes.  That's more than three, but in my mind these are a single unit.
11.  What drives you to make the work that you do?  The voices in my head.  Truly!  I constantly have so many ideas filling my brain that many nights I can't sleep!
12.  How do you balance your life?   It is all about priorities.  My family comes first and then my art.  Sometimes I can overlap, but most of the time, I just try to find a few minutes here and there to get to the studio.  Late at night after everyone is asleep is my most creative time.
 
http://www.susanfletcherking.com/