EAST Interview: Susan Wallace's Fluid Metal

Susan Wallace’s Budding Spring, 2007, for Elsner-Shields

East Austin Studio Tour
Saturday, November 22 - Sunday, November 23
Various Venues (Austin)
10am-5pm, free
[info]

Screen doors are a fixture of the South, and after a summer like we just had, it's little wonder why. A handful of stylish Central Texans are luck enough to have a custom screen door designed and constructed by Susan Wallace. While a screen may seem like a silly item to invest in, Wallace's sleek construction and creative designs propel the utilitarian door into the realm of functional art. While her screens can be seen at various private residences around town, Wallace has also created sculptural work with the aluminum banding that she uses to create her grillwork. Her large Tree of Life is installed in the lobby of UT's Department of Psychology Building.

Susan Wallace is participating in this weekend's East Austin Studio Tour. She has recently been working with mid-century modern door designers, Crestview Doors, and results of their collaborative efforts will be on display at 2012 E. 16th Street.

What is your background in art or design?

I have an MFA in sculpture, then worked for 9 years at the UT School of Architecture, the last 3 of which I taught First Year Design. At the SOA, I began designing and producing architectural details for clients. In 1990, I formalized this sideline into KATSU, a design and production studio which marketed to the wholesale craft industry. I left that business in 2000 to return to individual client based architectural detailing, with my specialty being aluminum grillwork.

How did making custom screens and sculpture work become your focus?

I am enamored by the fluidity of line and the ever changing play of silhouette and shadow created by the aluminum banding. I am very comfortable with aluminum and the simplicity of processes I employ. I am fortunate to be able to do what I love and grateful for the people who seek out my work.

Susan Wallace’s High C, 2006, for Cook

Please describe your creative process.

Each project is a collaborative process. My work partners me with architects, interior and landscape designers, professional artists, home and business owners. Communication, from idea to inception, is paramount to the success of my client-based projects. I enjoy the process of problem solving within strict parameters and with a budgetary conscience – this situation requires me to be innovative with the chosen materials by creating a mutually satisfying solution. Finally, it is important that the installation requirements and maintenance issues of the artwork be kept to a minimum, thus ensuring its long-term enjoyment.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists or craftspeople?

Be diligent and persevere in doing what you love.

Where can your work be seen around town?

My Tree of Life is permanently installed in the Seay Building on UT Campus. The piece More Moorish adorns the storefront of Clayworks Studio and Gallery on East Sixth Street. Eventually, my work will be atop one of the seven Obelisco's for an AIPP project on E. 7th. Currently, I have 3 pieces on display in the Peoples Gallery at City Hall. Most of my work is at private residences throughout Central Texas.