Susann Hood

"I've always been a collector of odd and disconnected objects. I love to experiment with making something out of something else. Dog tags and watch parts have been given new life as charm bracelets and brooches, and old discarded china and bric-a-brac is used for “pique-assiette” mosaic, a very old form of folk mosaic using china and found objects. My first creative endeavors probably began back in the 70's. There were no designer jeans then. We took regular Levis and customized them with embroidery, bleaching, patches, rhinestones, even bottle caps. We made bell-bottoms and jean skirts by adding crazy fabric inserts. It was always great to go to concerts not only for the music, but to see the wildest jeans."”

Her most recent mosaic works are mosaic collages, a combination of folk and pop art, by using found objects combined with American pop images and icons like Felix the Cat and Marilyn Monroe.

"I have been fortunate to have an extensive travel background, and have always been a fan of folk and “outsider art. I'm mostly self-taught, but have drawn deeply from the influences of Oona Lewis and Pegi Sharp, and the other fabulous artists at the Studio."”

Before moving to Wilson, Susann was involved in the Kinston-Lenoir Theatre, directing and performing in many productions, and received a Best Supporting Actress award for Bus Stop. She currently lives in Wilson, with an entourage of dogs and cats, and “any creature that comes to the back door hungry.