Interview with Susan Otto-Bain
Each artist comes to the table with new and innovative techniques and styles. In this blog, our featured artist shares what is in their heart and dreams.
We are excited to feature Susan Otto-Bain as our first artist.
Q: How long have you worked in glass?
I have been working in glass for about 14 years.
In our 20s, Rick and I were self-employed airbrush artists, designing and producing a line of hand-painted children’s wear (Rick) and ladies cruise wear (me). My background is in graphic design, and I grew up with two parents who are artists. Rick got dragged along for the ride!
Q: What or who inspires you?
Colour inspires me. Bright, vibrant colours draw me in and make me itch to create with them.
Q: Visual Voice — Why do you create your designs?
Hmmmm… I guess simply because creating makes me happy. I get visions in my head and a burning desire to bring them to life. Having any kind of creative project on the go energizes me.
Q: Upcoming shows or sales?
If shows are able to go ahead this year, I will be participating in:
- Lunenburg Craft and Food Festival in July
- Bling in November
Q: What is in your artistic future?
That one is easy! I am setting up a new studio in our home in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. It will be a working studio where passersby can watch me at the flame and shop in a small gallery area.
Q: What are your goals moving forward?
After being self-employed “starving artists” through our 20s, I always approached glass as something just for fun. I didn’t put much effort into selling it.
Now the pressure will be on, and I will need to change that approach. My goals are to establish a presence in Lunenburg and Nova Scotia in general and, yes, probably move toward online selling to help support these new adventures.
I also plan to have three torch stations so I can teach on a small scale.
I will be keeping my home base on the West Coast as well, especially during the winter months. I look forward to joining the Pyros in person as often as I can, because my heart is with you all.
