Interview
Suzy Nelson
Suzy Nelson, a NYC-artist, loves painting especially, but leans into every genre possible, recently showcasing stop motion videos. She creates art with imagined stories behind them, especially influenced by travel journaling.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Ever since I was small, I loved creating art and imagining all the stories behind it. It spurred me into trying painting, photography, and every medium I had access to in high school. Most of my paintings are inspired by my travels, as I always carry a sketch journal and make notes and small sketches of what is in my mind. When I return, I create my final paintings. My background as an artist spans everything from fine painting, photography, and movement - they are always statement pieces. I studied fine arts with a passion for sweet storytelling. I also love to create mini stop motion videos, as it brings my imagination to life. My paintings are the background for these pieces. A leather fish stars as the focus in “Catch That Fish” whereas in “The Art Ballet,” the main characters are abstract drawings made with ink. Subtitled minimally for storyline and a slight tongue in cheek style for fun!”
What inspires you?
“I’m inspired by everyday beautiful refined details, like antique mirrors and the detailing on 1920’s clothing. I also love very modern elements, like stickers and bright fun fashion, like my dinosaur purse that is both classy and interesting. Having these dynamic elements in my life makes me happier and also spurs me on to create.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My work is usually a statement piece without a specific agenda. I love hearing people’s different interpretations of my work, even if it’s not what I had in mind. It is intended to make people feel good with no negative messages - we have enough of that every day. They are each supposed to be a unique and fun creation meant for enjoyment only.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is bold in appearance and a bit comical at times, especially my stop motion. It has the finer details that have inspired me, such as layers of metallic paint in my paintings that remind me of the art deco period. It is meant to be approachable and hopefully loveable.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Growing up as a young person studying art, I adored some classics, like Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo. Once I graduated college, I found myself fascinated and inspired by surprising spaces, such as YouTube and Instagram artists, like She’s Elle and Hannah Lemon Art who both have strong and bold style mixed with childhood themes, like stickers and miniatures. Having access to so many of these types of affordable items means that you can incorporate art in small ways, all the time.”
“My work is bold in appearance and a bit comical at times, especially my stop motion. It has the finer details that have inspired me, such as layers of metallic paint in my paintings that remind me of the art deco period.”
What is your creative process like?
“Typically, I have two methods. One is that I get an idea and then map it out a bit in a journal or using Notion if it’s a more complex project, like the stop motion videos. Paintings typically start with a sketch, but I also enjoy taking the brush to the canvas with no plan and seeing what happens. Those tend to be my brighter and more abstract pieces, but sometimes there are portraits or animals that I paint from imagination.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists have a duty to continue. Art is hard because it doesn’t pay well, unless one is doing something really practical, which is great too. There are so many different types of professionals that I consider artists that really make the world more fun and beautiful everyday, especially in fashion and UX design on websites. It does not need to be “fine art” to be impactful.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I am a recurring Art on Loop artist and traveled to participate in shows in Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris, as well as NYC. In 2025, I have one in Tokyo.”
Instagram: @suzybeingsketchy
Other links: vimeo.com
