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 Teaching
 Artist-In-Residence,
MSAC School Projects
Artist Statement
My work is inspired by the anonymous artisans of the Middle Ages. As a child I first
encountered the Byzantine style in my grandparents' Orthodox church. Banners, icons and
paintings adorned every surface. I was entranced by the rich patterns, detailed stories
and combinations of media in medieval art. The meticulous attention to detail and the
skill required to execute these works enthralled me. In my mixed media pieces I emulate
the textures, details, and rich colors of medieval art. My embroideries are reminiscent of
manuscript paintings, using cotton and metallic threads in place of paint and gold leaf.
My hand built ceramic frames are filled with figures and textures derived from the
sculpture and architecture of the period. Like my predecessors, I try to tell a story,
usually with a humorous twist.
Bio
Art has always been an integral part of my life. My artist-mother constantly provided
opportunities to explore working with new materials and introduced me to museums early on.
I graduated with a B.A. in Fine Arts from McDaniel College in Maryland.
Embroidery and ceramics are central to my
art. Hand embroidery connects people to the past in a personal way. It is a skill
traditionally passed on from one generation to another, with distinct styles across many
cultures. It is one of the pleasures of my life to continue passing it on. Ceramics has
it's own extensive history and variety of styles.
Theater is another of my loves. I have been
involved in theatrical costuming since high school. Backstage has it's own intricate
choreography that the audience never sees. The feeling of a stage facade carries over into
my wall pieces. There is the image that first gets the viewer's attention, and then there
is the sense of sneaking a peek behind the curtain.
Exhibitions
2008 Artscape, "Subjective
Sensibilities", Stevenson University Art Gallery, Stevenson, MD
2003 Montpelier Cultural Arts Center, "The Domestic Goddess", Laurel, MD
(solo exhibition)
2003 Artscape, "Media Hype", City Hall Courtyard Galleries, Baltimore, MD
2002 American Craft Museum, "9-11: Artists Respond", New York, NY
2001 "Fish Out of Water", Baltimore, MD (outdoor exhibit)
2000 Clinical Center Galleries, National Institutes of Health, "Fabric",
Bethesda, MD
1999 Mill River Gallery, "Short Stories", Ellicott City, MD
1998 Carroll County Arts Council, "Medieval Tourist", Westminster, MD
(solo exhibition)
1994 Baltimore Life Gallery, "The Cutting Edge", Baltimore, MD
1992 Brookfield Craft Center, Holiday Show, Brookfield, CT
1992 Three Rivers Arts Festival, Visual Arts Exhibit, Pittsburgh, PA
1992 Brookfield Craft Center, Brookfield, CT
1992 Gallery at Cedar Hollow, Malvern, PA
1991 BAUHouse Gallery - BEAMS Exhibit, Baltimore, MD
Awards
2001 Maryland State Arts Council individual artist grant
1997 Frederick Arts Festival, Award for Excellence
Publications
My art has been featured in:
That's Clever, HGTV, September 27, 2006
"Suzanne Herbert-Forton", The Craftsreport, December 2003 (cover story)
"Local Artist Takes Jab at Domestic Theme" by Ayesha Ahmad, The Gazette, April
17, 2003
"From Icons to Godzilla: Artist Suzanne Herbert-Forton", by Dawn Culbertson,
Every Wednesday, February 23, 2000
"People Need a Little Whimsy In Their Lives", by Mary Gail Hare, The Baltimore
Sun, July 19, 1998
"Queen of Her Castle" by Amanda Knittle, Carroll County Times, January 16, 1998
"Unusual Displays Found at Festival of the Arts", by Julia Robb, The Frederick
Post, June 23, 1997
Teaching Artist-In-Residence, MSAC School Projects
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