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We’re so excited to be collaborating once again with Maui-based artist Susanna Cromwell.
Inspired by the beauty of island life, Susanna’s work is a celebration of the natural world — flora, fauna, shells and ocean life are woven throughout everything she creates. Her pieces have a distinctly vintage Hawaiian feel, influenced by everything from vintage aloha shirts and antique botanical drawings to African tapestries from her Cape Verdean heritage, Matisse cut-outs, and traditional Indian and Japanese block printing.
Working from her studio in Haiku, Maui, Susanna creates detailed illustrations, original block prints and her signature Paper Quilts, intricate works made by printing onto Japanese papers, tearing them apart, and stitching them back together. Her work is deeply connected to place, family, memory and the small treasures collected along the way.
For our newest collaboration, Treasures, Susanna brought together shell block prints created over nearly a decade, each one holding a memory of a person, place or moment in her life.
We caught up with Susanna to hear more about the story behind Treasures, her process, and what she’s learned since our first collection together.
We’re so excited to be collaborating again! What has changed for you, creatively or personally since our first collection together?
That’s a good question, I had to look back at memories and put myself in old shoes to be able to answer it… I think the big thing I have been learning is to value long term benefits over short term benefits both as a mother and an artist. As a mother that means being present even if sometimes I feel like I can’t afford to not be working. In art it means taking time to break through my current abilities and comforts in order to create works that awe myself rather than taking the safe route of repeating tried and true sellable designs.
Tell us about Treasures. What inspired this print, and is there a story behind some of the elements within it?
The shells used to create this design are actually a compilation of block prints made over the past nine years. Each of the shells represent a memory to me… some were gifted to me by my children or other loved ones. Others I found searching the shoreline either by foot or below the water with a mask on. That’s something I think all shell lovers can relate to.. they are more than pretty objects; they are memories of special times, in special places, with special people. Also, they feel like “I love you’s“ from God when your paths meet.
Your process is such a beautiful part of your work. Can you take us through how the original Treasures artwork came to life from the first idea to the finished piece?
The first step is always creating detailed illustrations of the shells, this allows me to really get to know the character of their form because it requires me sitting with a single shell for hours. Next, I transfer that drawing onto a block and carve it out using wood carving tools. After that, I roll oil paint onto the carved block and then press the inked blocks onto Japanese papers creating patterns with each press. My newest works usually involve taking those block printed sheets, tearing them up, and then stitching them back together to create what I love to call Paper Quilts:)
The name Treasures feels pretty special. What does that word mean to you, and what are some of the little treasures in your life right now?
The word treasure means that which you put value to and cherish. Right now my treasures are invaluable moments with my family and friends in nature or around the dinner table and taking time to grow as an artist rather than just produce.
Stay connected to Susanna Cromwell on socials
Check out video on Susanna Cromwell here
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