Statement   Susan Siefer  2023

Through my art I honor the strength and resilience of women and recognize the rich history and culture of textile arts, thought of as “women’s work”. My work is part of an ancient lineage that reveals women’s progression from handiwork to fine art. My own ancestors were seamstresses, embroiderers and dress makers. Inevitably, in 1973 I began my art career as a sculptural weaver.

My recent series portrays abstract ethereal figures of women coming and going,together and solo, each with their own majestic identity. The spiritual presence of women who triumph over adversity come to life in my studio. I am particularly interested in the Jewish diaspora of women wanderers, from the weavers from Spain to Morocco during the 15th Century to my own grandmother from Odessa to New York in the early 20th Century. I tell timeless visual stories of all strong women.

My many years as a weaver and later a decorative painter influence my materials and process.This includes weaving, embellishments, inherited textiles, netting, cut up paintings, threads, metallic leaf. I begin by troweling multiple layers of plasters and textures on unstructured canvas. I create fresco-like textures evoking ancient architectural surfaces and old patterned walls as a backdrop.  My several trips to Morocco over the past several years, including a 2019 residency at Green Olive Arts in Tetouan, is evident in my work. I continue the process with my 3-dimensional “shelters” created with remnants of discarded canvas pieces.

BIO  Susan Siefer

Susan Siefer is a painter and textile based artist working out of her studio in Waltham MA. She received her BA in Fine Art and her MFA in Textile Design and Weaving at Wayne University in Detroit MI. Prior to her current fulltime studio practice she was a decorative painter. Using Italian plasters, textures and pattern on walls and ceilings she had a large following of residential and corporate clients. Since reestablishing her studio practice in 2014, Susan’s work has been shown in the Boston and New England area including Galatea Gallery, Fountain Street Gallery, Cambridge Art Association, Hess Gallery, Mosesian Gallery, and in private collections. Her work reflects her several trips to Morocco, included a residency at Green Olive Arts in Tetouan during the summer of 2019. Her work has recently been published in Fiber Art Now. Susan is a member of National Association of Women, Cambridge Art Association and River Street Artists.