ABOUT THE ARTIST

Susan Rienzo is a full time Studio Textile Artist who creates abstract and whimsical Art Quilts, working intuitively and improvisation-ally. The love of sewing started at a very young age for Susan when she had to make an apron and learn to hand sew in the 3rd grade. The love and comfort of textiles remained with her throughout life. On the staff of her high school yearbook, Susan felt affirmation to pursue Art as a career.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Susan was supported to follow a dream to become a Fashion Designer and graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York with an AAS Degree. Not feeling fulfilled, she wanted to continue her love for art so she  continued on at the University of Georgia, receiving a BFA in Graphic Design. Her life took a new turn when she met and married her best friend after graduation. After starting a family she explored many different creative mediums while her children were young and exploring the world of Fashion took a back seat. 

In 1982 Susan discovered quilting and she instantly knew Quilts was the medium she wanted to create with. An artist at heart she had no desire to work 9-5 and felt very fortunate to be able to work part time in retail and fabric shops in order to focus on her family and have time for creating. The art quilt movement was in its infancy and was a big influence on her. She soon realized the potential of combining her passion for color, graphic design, and textiles, and started making original art quilts.  Her brief encounter with Nancy Crow, (a renowned Quilt Artist) and her philosophy in1984 changed her life. She felt validated to pursue the art of the Quilt. Susan’s strong sense of design and her palette of vibrant, saturated color with her love of whimsy, has infused her Textile Art with a spirited and joyful energy that is bold and distinctive. And as her family genealogist, Susan is captivated with the mystery of the unknown, and invoking memories becomes an engaging theme in her art. 

In 2005 Susan and her husband retired to Vero Beach, Florida, from New York, following their two grown children who had already moved to Florida. She was delighted to now be able to focus on her art full time in a warm and joyful climate. Loving her early beach days during summers growing up, has led her to select a coastal town in Florida to live, and create her art. It’s been the number one reason the sunshine and blue skies has influenced her art. 

Through the years she explored the world of quilts until finding her special niche. Inspired by many paper collages, she discovered her love and connection to collage from her high school days. That was a day of AHA. This is where she is happiest.

And in the past couple of years Susan has discovered the joys of teaching and is on the teaching staff at The Lighthouse ArtCenter www.lighthouseartcenter.org

Susan has exhibited in juried shows throughout the U.S. and internationally, and has been published in many publications such as Fiberarts Design Book Six, Uppercase Magazine #45 and SAQA’s Art Quilt Quarterly #21, Artist to Watch.  She is a Juried Art Member of SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates). 

Artist Statement

Vibrant saturated colors, textures, whimsy and visual energy has become my mark of distinction. Fabric is my medium. I hunt, gather and collect my palette of fabrics that are hand-dyes, batiks, and joyful conversation prints. I am captivated with vibrant color, pattern juxtaposition, graphic linear design, and the joyful themes of colourful living in Florida from abstract to impressionistic. Inspired by the world of children’s illustrations, I have great fun including whimsical additions to my art and hope to bring joy invoking memory and a smile.

I now use my fabric scraps solely for my collages. My latest work entails cutting, fusing  much like that of a paper collage artist, but manipulating and combining many different fabrics. Pieces are often moved and rearranged until there is a balance of visual elements. I work intuitively and spontaneously to let the piece evolve to where it needs to go. When it is complete, I will layer the design with batting and a backing, and machine quilt to add surface design and texture.The result is a Textile Painting.                  

I am constantly exploring new ideas and enjoy the collecting and gathering that is at the very nature of making art with textiles. I believe the purpose of my art is to delight and inspire all. 

CONTACT: 

 www.susanrienzodesigns.com

 www.instagram.com/rienzodesigns/

 www.fineartamerica.com/susan-rienzo/shop

 www.facebook.com/susanrienzodesigns/

 www.etsy.com/shop/susanrienzodesigns

Return to Susan’s Artwork Portfolio