Meet Susan Nash | Artist, Seeker and Nature lover

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susan Nash and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susan, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired by nature and the world around me. A walk in the woods or fields of south east Ohio allows my mind to quiet and I become more aware of the beautiful intricacies of the natural world. Here I find much inspiration.
I am also inspired by other artists and by a trip to a museum or gallery. Viewing the work of others helps me to ask myself questions like, “how did they accomplish that?’, or ‘I love that color combo’. But most of all, it fills my artistic well. Inspiration comes to me in the words of poetry and the lyrics of songs. I guess you could say I am very open and “in tune” to gathering ideas for my art throughout my day and in the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My wheelhouse is textile art in the form of art quilts. Think quilts for the wall, not the bed. I have been sewing since I was a child, making a lot of my own clothes. The over abundance of fabric scraps led to traditional quilt making, which soon turned into art quilt making. I have enjoyed some success having work juried into various shows both locally and around the country. What most pleased me was winning awards in art shows, rather than quilt shows. It seemed more validating to me, because of the idea that quilts are not considered fine art but rather, folk art, or even craft.
It is important to me to continue creating what comes from my heart and soul, That is what makes my work authentic to me and I hope, allows it to resonate with others. I have explored various themes throughout the years and use repeated imagery that makes my work identifiable to me….such as ginkgo leaves and crows.
I have deep concerns for our environment and the effects of climate change and hope to bring attention to others through my artwork.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since I am a nature lover I would definitely show a friend around to Mission Oaks Gardens and Gale Gardens. We would walk the Collegial Woods trails at Ohio University-Zanesville and if we had the time also check out one of my favorite parks, McGraw-Edison.
Local lunch or dinner favorites would be Giacomos, The Walk, Rakes, The Market House Inn, Muddy Misers and Weasel Boy. I really like to support local eateries and avoid the chain restaurants.
For fun shopping I would show my friend around to the local art spots, starting first with, of course, The Art Loft. This is where I share space with three other artists.It is a working studio/gallery. Here we create our art, but also where we share it with the community during the Artist Colony’s First Friday art walks. Next, we would head up Main St to go see Coles Art Gallery, Yan Sun Art Gallery, Mike Seilers Art Gallery, Paul Emory Art Gallery and finally check out ZAAP, the Zanesville Appalachian Arts Project. An art exploring trip would not be complete without stopping at Alan Cotrells sculputure studio on the way to the Historic Putnam District where we would find Girl Upcycle, where Kelly Wiler paints and creates, plus Bunko Jess Arts upstairs.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The support of others has been instrumental in my path. My mother always taught me there was nothing I wasn’t capable of doing, My husband Mike has always believed in me as well. Reading the book, “The Artists Way” by Julia Cameron was helpful too. Having a like-minded friend and “reflecting mirror” like Susan Stubbins made it fun and easy to pursue opening a studio/gallery together. But the community of Zanesville, who embraced the arts community and continue to support us, gets the biggest shoutout.

Website: https//:www.theartloftzanesville.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susannash/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.w.nash

Image Credits
all my photos