Anyone for Entropy?| Radical Beauty in Loss | Susan Hensel Textile Art As time passes, and things in and around us degrade and begin to fall apart, I seek the inherent beauty in it all! Experience Radical Beauty in Loss: The good lord knows that none of us escape our own end…. […]
Lambent Journey Tools | New work| Susan Hensel Projects I just finished a new iteration growing out of the Neotectonic series It is always curious to me how things happen to become. As a sculptor, I am materially oriented. I first think of materials and what each can do. Can it bend? Can it fold? Can it hold its shape? What happens if I make it bigger? what happens if I make it smaller? How about pink? How about another color? How can I incorporate it, whatever it might be? Does it need metal? Plumbing parts? And then, only then, do I wonder what it is saying to me! […]
The Ancient Mariner Awakes | New work | Susan Hensel Projects February 5, 2024, during the winter that did not arrive in Minnesota! Life is a strange thing, de-stabilizing at times. Whole swaths of time can fly by un-noticed. I heard on the radio this morning that that sudden awareness of lost time, like the morning commute finishing fast, is evidence of a state of flow. (Yes, I suppose, but, God forbid, it could be a black-out as well!) Sure, sometimes it is a creative time. But sometimes it really is a lost time, perhaps a hibernation; a period of regrouping, of reconsideration…maybe even a paradigm shift. […]
What Is The Best Art To Invest In? In a world where art investments have gained massive popularity, people are constantly looking for the most lucrative and rewarding art forms to invest in. While traditional forms of art such as paintings and sculptures control the market, textile art has emerged as a hidden gem that combines artistic excellence with investment potential. What is the best art to invest in? This article discusses why textile art is the best art to invest in, offering a compelling case for both collectors and investors. What Is The Best Art To Invest In? Recently, there has been a remarkable rush in interest and demand for textile art. Artists around the globe are pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities within this adaptable medium, resulting in ground-breaking creations that enthrall audiences. This growing trend translates into a promising investment opportunity, as the increased demand drives up the value of textile art over time. Textile art includes a wide range of techniques and styles, allowing artists to express their creativity in unique and attractive ways. From intricate tapestries and vibrant quilts to contemporary textile installations, each piece tells a story and evokes emotions. [...]
How We Identify Art Art is an immense and ever-evolving realm of human creativity and expression. It encompasses a wide range of forms, styles, and mediums, making it both fascinating and challenging to identify and define. We will dive into the intricacies of how we identify art, exploring the subjective nature of artistic clarification, the role of cultural settings, and the criteria used to differentiate art from other forms of human creation. By unraveling these facets, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex process of how we identify art. Subjectivity And Interpretation One of the captivating aspects of identifying art is the subject involved. Art is open to interpretation, and what may be considered art by one person may not be seen the same by another. The perception of art is influenced by personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and individual tastes. The spectator's explanation plays a significant role in identifying art, as it relies on their ability to connect with the artwork and appreciate its visual, emotional, or intellectual qualities. Intent And Creative Intention The intention of the creator plays a crucial role in identifying art. When an individual intentionally creates something with [...]
Titles Are Weird Things New Work Titles are weird things. I make new work all the time. Sometimes I know, right from the beginning, what the title of the work will be. But, more often than not, the finished piece takes time to reveal itself. Sometimes the piece is withholding and it takes help to find the title. That was the case with this piece. I knew that the piece was talking about weather changes, ocean currents, magnetic poles...all kinds of climate change things! The oceans are key to our survival even as they rise and consume our shorelines and, in concert with rising temperatures, create huge, destructive storms. My imagery was based on weather maps, navigation maps, longitude lines coming together at the poles, movement that seemed to whirl on the edge of chaos. I started brainstorming: Mapping Currents Heat Maps Mapping Time Change Map None of those were right. When Sarah came to work, we brainstormed together: Change Sutra Climate Sutra Topographical Sutra We talked about the function of a title in my abstract art. I use titles to give clues to my thinking, to open up questions in the viewer so they can ask their [...]
On some level, the work of an artist is never done.Or another cliché: Old artists never retire. Completing a Commission The Work of an Artist. Sometime ago I received a commission from an art consultant out of Atlanta who had been trying to find a fit for my work. We had been communicating for several months before something landed. The commission came in, requesting that I make 12 “bookblocks,” all different, but in a muted palette of indigo, beige, misty blue and some black. And could I do it in 3 months? Was that doable? probably not unless I began the testing before the contract was signed and delivered! […]
Life is always full of Twists and Turns. So is my new artwork. More years ago than I care to count, I lost my husband to a freak accident, leaving me with a two year old. Sad? yes. But there is always learning to be had. The day after his father’s death, I told my son that his Daddy would not be coming home. His 2 year old response,”OK. Let’s play zoo.” So many unforeseen bridges were left to cross ahead, but the imperative, as demonstrated by a two year old, was “going forwardness,” to continue to grow, learn and live. Those imperatives do not disappear.Creativity is our birthright. It has survival value. We need it to grow-up and into our lives, no matter what they may be. […]
What to do when the GPS does not work.? I am finding my way. Have you ever had your GPS take you to the end of a bridge that does not cross? or to the center of nowhere? My sense of direction, while not precise, is not horrendous either. With the gentle reminder of the iPhone, I can get to most places…even on time. Yet, I do love maps. My close friend Gwen keeps telling me I need to use maps in the car. But, when you are the only driver…maps aren’t much use as you are driving! […]
Throwing Shade | Supremacist Lace Flags Throwing Shade | Supremacist Lace Flags | Susan Hensel Projects. One of the most interesting things about making art is unexpected discoveries. I work in a highly technical realm, with computers and computer-aided devices, yet I work very intuitively. […]
