Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Suszynski.
Hi Nick, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Ever since I was young I knew I wanted to pursue art. My hometown Savannah, Georgia has a very vibrant arts scene. As a kid I often went to museums, art camps, and small exhibitions. I also went on Tumblr and DeviantArt a lot, which has really interesting stuff that you wouldn’t find in most traditional art spaces.
The first time I participated in the professional arts world was during my time at Georgia State University. I saw a flyer on campus for an open call Eyedrum was having and got in! I felt really accomplished getting my art in at least one show before graduating. Because of this group show, I also had my work published for the first time in their arts and literary journal Underground. The people from Underground interviewed me on the show’s opening night which really took me by surprise!
I now have a couple group shows I’ve participated in, the most recent ones being an experimental quilting exhibition at the Southeast Fiber Arts Alliance in Chamblee and another fiber arts exhibition at The Supermarket. I’ve just started interning at the Atlanta Contemporary, which feels refreshing compared to my job and being out of school. I really love it there.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have been very lucky to not face many significant challenges in my life. I’m worried this will soon change due to the way this country is headed, especially as a transgender person. Things are not looking good for us right now.
Currently my biggest issue is finding time to actually make art while working so much. It feels evil and wrong to neglect art making, but basic needs must be met. Latex clothes must also be bought.
I feel like what has kept me going is support from my friends and family. A lot of my friends are artists that make textile art. We’re always encouraging each other to submit to different opportunities and find ways to continue creating.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I mainly make textile art. I specialize in quilting and interactive sculpture, but I also love paper collage, printmaking, and broom making. A lot of my art has bright colors alongside overwhelming patterns and textures. I don’t like my work to be easy on the eyes. I like making silly art as a way to ease people into uncomfortable and controversial topics like sex or homophobia. Right now I really like to explore the beginning of life from a biological, evolutionary, and metaphysical perspective.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was born and lived most of my life in Savannah. My family has always been supportive of my interests and this really helped cultivate my practice. I still have a lot of my childhood art I made at Summer camps, like a handmade guest book and a ceramic bowl that looks like a panda. I feel like I’ve always had unconventional interests compared to those around me. A distinct memory I have is of me and my mom at a ballet class alongside the other kids and parents. While everyone else was getting ready I was putting millipedes on my face. Another story my mom likes to tell is how she took me to this doll tea party event and I brought my stuffed animal T-Rex instead of the American Girl doll like everyone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nickthesuszynski.squarespace.com
- Instagram: @nikolaisuszynski
Image Credits
Photos by Drew Stauss and Coorain Devin
