Inside Susie Sprinkel’s Art Stories Woven with Fabric and Thread

In this interview, textile artist Susie Sprinkel Hudson shares the heart and inspiration behind her unique art form, where fabric and thread take center stage. She shares the meanings behind her work, explaining how each piece of fabric represents the different moments and seasons of life, with all their imperfections and beauty. Susie also talks about how she started using a sewing machine as her “paintbrush,” the stories she tells through her colorful and textured art, and her hopes of bringing people together through her work. We learn about her passion for diversity and unity and the joy her art sparks in those who view it.

Susie has been an artist most of her life. A silversmith in high school and college, her art turned to photography when she attended the University of Hawaii, majoring in Communications/Television Production. Upon graduation, Susie moved back to California, where she worked in Hollywood on an NBC TV show as a Photographer and then as the personal assistant to a movie director/producer. Susie has lived in Newport Beach & Costa Mesa for over 33 years. She’s been married to Ron for 37 years, and they have one daughter, Tivoli. Tivoli is married to Eric, and they have 12-year-old twins, August and Eliott. In December, Susie Retired from the Marriott Newport Coast Villas, where she enjoyed working as an Activities Coordinator. There she developed “Super Science Susie”, and now provides private Science Parties in Orange County. Susie also perfected her “Pirate” character, seen at local Yacht Clubs during the Summer. In 2021, Susie added Textile/fiber art to her Paradise Studio Art’s vast accomplishments, winning numerous awards, including twice at ARTventure. This summer, she won 3rd place at the Newport Beach Exhibition and four awards at the Orange County Fair, including a Division Winner. To describe her artwork, Susie will say the fabric is her paint, and a sewing machine is her brush. Susie has been participating in local art galleries for the past few years and has recently been appointed Assistant Director at Showcase Gallery in Santa Ana. Susie enjoys the ocean and beaches of Southern California, which is reflected in her artworks representing many Orange County locations.

1. How did you start using a sewing machine as your “paintbrush,” and what made you fall in love with this technique?

In 2021, I was at a crossroads with my art. At that time, I joined an artist mentorship program, and our mentor mentioned creating unique art. Years before, I had made some textile work using free-motion sewing and started creating my art.

I see the small pieces of fabric representing the moments and seasons of our lives, with bright colors and textures.

Susie Sprinkel Hudson

2. You say fabric pieces represent life’s seasons. How do you choose the colors and materials to tell those stories?

The fabrics I use in my artwork represent all of us because the pieces are different sizes, shapes, and colors. Some of the pieces of fabric are a little frayed and worn at the edges because life isn’t easy. The stitching isn’t perfect because life isn’t perfect. I take location photographs of what I’m going to create. Once I have a printed image, I take it to the fabric store to match the colors.

3. Your art connects different pieces into a whole. How does this process relate to your view on life and people?

People today are busy and not connecting. My art represents my desire for people to find their community and bring people together, regardless of their size, shape, or color. Then, many communities could gather or be “stitched together” in peace, harmony, and joy.

4. What do you hope people feel when they step back and see how your work’s little pieces come together?

Memories! Remembering a time that brought them joy.

The pieces of fabric show that we all come in different sizes, shapes and colors. Some of the pieces of fabric are a little frayed and worn at the edges, because life isn’t easy.

Susie Sprinkel Hudson

5. How do themes like diversity and unity appear in your art, and what do you hope they spark in viewers?

In my artwork, “Pigment,” women of all shapes, sizes, colors, and ethnicities are featured. I want the viewers to see that we are only different because of the pigment in our skin.

Susie Sprinkel Hudson’s art reminds us that life, like her fabric pieces, comprises many imperfect but beautiful moments. Through her work, she encourages viewers to reflect on the connections between people of all backgrounds and the shared experiences that unite us. Susie’s love for fabric art brings joy and nostalgia and inspires a sense of community, showing that when we step back, all the little pieces of life come together to create something meaningful. To learn more about Susie, click the following links to visit her profile.