INTERVIEW: Artist Susan Beallor-Snyder On Staying True To Yourself, Exploring Mediums, And More

Manhattan-born and raised artist, Susan Beallor-Snyder, has made quite a name for herself appearing in both corporate and private collections throughout the United States. Her inquisitive nature has led her to explore different mediums over the course of her career, including hand-fabricated pieces and sculptures just to name a few.

Beallor-Snyder uses a free-weaving technique to create one-of-a-kind sculptures and infuses varying weights of the rope with thought-provoking depth and profound emotion. She recently completed two commissioned installations Changing Tides, inspired by the long and varied history of the Southwest waterfront along the Potomac and Ascending, which appears at Broadstone Ridge luxury residences outside Atlanta.

Apart from working as an artist, Beallor-Snyder also has a background in film and television production, as well as a passion for natural foods and holistic living. She splits her time between New York and Maine with her husband and two daughters.

We caught up with Susan Beallor-Snyder to hear more about her work as successful artist across the country:

Can you talk a bit about your start as an artist?

SBS: As a young child I must have enjoyed doing art projects. My parents encouraged my creative nature always providing me with plenty of art supplies and sending me to the Museum of Modern Art after school classes starting when I was 9-years-old. As a teenager and into my twenties I had a passion for black and white photography and the streets of New York provided ample material for me to shoot.

When did you know you wanted to pursue art as a career?

SBS: Although I have always considered myself an artist, it wasn’t until I was in my 40s that I decided I wanted to exhibit and sell my work. I studied Classical Goldsmithing in New York and began to sell my work in Galleries around the country. After 15 years, I decided I wanted to exhibit my work in museums and galleries and create large-scale public and corporate installations. I began working with natural manila rope in 2011 and feel I am still in the early stages of the possibilities of this material.

Who are some artists that inspire you?

SBS: Growing up I was inspired by the photography of Edward Steichen, Ansel Adams, Alfred Stieglitz, Margaret Bourke White. Favorite sculptors are: Henry Moore, Alberto Giacometti, Fernando Botero, Louise Bourgeois, Magdalena Abakanowicz. Contemporary artists whose work I love and am inspired by are: Kara Walker, Andy Goldsworthy, Patrick Dougherty.

What is your piece of advice for rising artists? 

SBS: There are so many outlets in today’s world for exhibiting and selling art. I believe it is important to understand what kind of art you love to create and what your goals are then be true to yourself.

For more information, visit www.susanbeallorsnyder.com.