Metal weaving in progress

Susan Calkins

Teaching Artist/Instructor ; Visual Arts : Sculptor

After receiving a business degree from Trinity University in 1982, I began to expand an interest in sculpture that went back to my childhood. More and more, I came to appreciate the love I had for its ability to transform a piece of stone from something raw to something refined and beautiful. In addition, I began to experiment in sculpting other types of materials, including metal, fabrics and wood. During the 1990s, while raising three wonderful children in San Antonio, I commuted to Texas State University in San Marcos to earn a “BFA in Visual Arts” (with an emphasis in sculpture). My metal sculpture incorporates new & recycled steel, recycled quilts, oil paints, copper & stained glass. My stone sculptures are done in limestone, alabaster and marble. I am currently a partner with James Hendricks in a metal fabrication business, FabArts Collaborative Creations, LLC. We focus on plasma cutting, welding, fabrication, sculptures and custom metal design.

Artist Statement of Work

Tell us about your work (style, approach, philosophy, subject and/or theme):

Nature has always inspired me…it calms me, centers me, intrigues me and amazes me……..all of its incredibly subtle and vibrant colors, the shades and hues that never end; the lines that crag through solid stone or, drift among the leaves...

Being around other artists also inspires me. When I see how someone else approaches the nuances of creativity it always sparks within me an enlightened insight. While it may not be something that I will overtly incorporate into my own work, it reminds me of the endless possibilities available to my imagination.

I like creating movement out of static materials - metal & stone, as well as experimenting with ideas that incorporate counterintuitive concepts, such as a steel quilts or metal weavings.