Suzan Ann Morgan
Textile Artist
who, what and why
I am a textile artist who has been living and creating in central West Virginia since 1988. I hand-dye and print all the textiles I use, as well as most of the other fibers found in my work.
I was fortunate to be handed cloth and needle early in my life, and at age thirteen years, I was given a discarded Great Depression era Singer sewing machine; a creature that while having its share of significant limitations, opened up a new world for me.
It was the mid 1970’s, everyone in my home economics class was female, my mother had a button jar, and the nuns had taught me to cross stitch. I fully embraced the fiber arts, by embroidering samplers, knotting macramé, knitting and even sewing my own clothing.
I loved the art books I found in the local library, but somehow came to believe that I could never be a “real artist” because I was right handed! Even with this “limitation,” by my twenties I was piecing quilts of all varieties.
Everything changed in 1997; I learned to dye and print on fabric at the Oregon College of Art and Craft. And guess what?...no one there even checked to see if I was a lefty! I soon stepped away from creating art based on the patterns produced by others, and learned to travel my own path.
I frequently find myself documenting my surroundings, challenging myself by considering the mundane, and observing the unnoticed details surrounding me. These details now become worthy of my artistic exploration and documentation - ultimately, creating art from the familiar!
In other works, I express my point of view, which can be challenging and sometimes risky. I examine my beliefs while listening to NPR, reading about current events, or engaging in a lively discussion; which are integral parts of the process of creating my art. During the process, I find myself further reflecting, but often to my dismay, realize the contradictions and short comings of my personal beliefs. However, expressing my point of view through my art provides me with temporary relief, and the hope the viewer can identify with my imperfect truths.
Thank you for your interest in my work, and I value your feedback. Contact me anytime!