Artist Information for Susan Callahan
My art is inspired by my career as a professional chef, elevating the kitchen and its elements honor the work of those who feed us and the joy of coming to the table. I try to capture that in my art. I love making art that mirrors my passion for cooking, teaching and feeding people. Food is a universal element, we all need to eat. I love to create my own fabric, I want the imagery to reflect my passion and see the beauty in the industrial landscape of a kitchen. I can do that with my hand dyed and printed fabric. I like using commercial fabric to complement, excite and amuse. Adding stitching to the work gives another level of interest when the quilting line is represents forks and spoons, or pots and pans. The addition of paint after quilting can be a thrilling experiment but it must add to the context of the work. My goal is to engage the viewer and allow them to interpret the work to make the story their own. I want to create work that is familiar and recognizable but not necessarily illustrative. Images scroll down to view all2 Top24"x30"   Photo by Eric Reiffenstien This represents the 2 Top the most popular table in a restaurant. It is calm and inviting waiting for its guests.With is hand dyed and hand screened cotton. Machine pieced and quilted, painted after quilting After Dinner Coffee60"x 48"   Photo by Eric Reiffenstein After dinner coffee shows a table that has seen a great party. Flatware is scattered over the table, coffee cups ring the table and the check waits for someone to pay the bill. Hand dyed and printed cotton, machine pieced and quilted. Painted after stitch Home48x59   Photo by Eric Reiffenstien I am most at home at a stove. It could be any stove, at home or at work, it is one of my favorite places. Hand dyed and printed textiles with commercial cottons. Fused and machine quilted. Morning Tea45"x 55"   Photo by Eric Reiffenstien I am a tea drinker. I don't wake until I have sipped at least two cups of tea while my husband drinks coffee. Hand dyed and commercial cottons, fused and machine quilted. Homage to Downton Abbey27x60   Photo by Eric Reiffenstien This is a homage to the beautiful tables in great houses. As a fan of Downton Abbey, I love the scenes at the table. Quilting represents culinary vignettes along with candelabram at each end. Hand dyed cotton, machine pieced and quilted. Flatware painted after quilting |