Susan Elliott is a mosaic artist working from her eponymous brand Susan Elliott Mosaics, based in Hastings. Susan is a trained textile designer but discovered her passion for mosaics after working in London as a community artist. She uses recycled kitchen crockery and tourist memorabilia to design and create multi-faceted artworks that explore British clichés. Her work has also been exhibited at art galleries, such as the Mauger Modern Art in Bath Somerset. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Susan Elliott.
Image Credit: 1) Peirene Press 2) Philip Oakley Illuminations 3) Deborah Bowness 4) Image Comics 5) Tilt Originals
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
Taking my inspiration from popular culture, I create multi-faceted, jewel like images which hide a wealth of commentary and humour. There is a lot going on in my work!
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I search second- hand shops and car boot fairs for materials, and the kitchen crockery, novelty mugs, figurines, and badges that I find inform the subject matter of the mosaic.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I usually work alone in the studio but when I need that extra something to enrich a piece of work I have turned to lighting designer, Philip Oakley who has expertise, enthusiasm and a generosity of spirit that makes working with him a pleasure. I am also lucky to be represented by two supportive and friendly galleries, Mauger Modern and Four Square Fine Arts, and Mark and Diana at Fuga Marketing and Design.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
My studio is like an archive of the nation’s mantelpieces and an affectionate collection of the kitsch and the idiosyncratic within which I think there is an inherent beauty.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
Create work that you enjoy and that speaks to other people in a way that enriches their lives for having come across it. Art and design is a visual and sensual dialogue that informs our environment from the minute we wake up. Make it memorable!
