About a year ago, I spoke with German artist, Susanne Kasielke, for the first time. We began working on an order of custom made pocket mirrors and magnets featuring her ‘DC Love’ art illustrations. In just this short amount of time, I’ve realized that Susanne is someone with a rare combination of talent, motivation… and genuine kindness! I’ve really connected not only with her outstanding artwork, but with her overall positive attitude too. She’s someone who’s not afraid to set a high bar and then reach for the achievement. Furthermore, she’s a savvy businesswoman and a shining example of how to manage and promote a creative business the right way. So, as we enter into a new year, I thought now would be the perfect time to set up an interview. I think you will find her ideas about art and the business of art to be very inspiring. She’s one of a kind!
Susanne, you are an art queen! You work with so many different mediums and materials: paint, pencil, mixed media, even graphic design. Do you have a favorite?
Thank you so much, Ali – That is so sweet of you to say!
It’s a really tough question, because I love working in different mediums. The variety of styles makes it easy for me to stay inspired and motivated. As soon as I get stuck on a project, I try a different angle and medium.
If I have to narrow it down, my all time favorite medium that I start with and go back to each time I create something new is pencil. When I draw I usually work a bit messy and it takes a while from rough sketches to the final motif – I love the fact, that I can correct my creation as many times as I like until I’m happy with it (because I’m never satisfied the first time ;).
I first became introduced to you through your ‘DC Love’ illustration series. What is it about Washington DC that is so inspiring for you?
Let’s put it this way: What isn’t?
Washington is the very first city in the US that I visited, which will always be special to me. In DC I realized that my dream of becoming a full-time artist can come true – I learnt about all the creative opportunities out there (especially in the US). Those reasons obviously are personal and don’t have much to do with the city itself, but trust me, Washington is such a beautiful place to visit! I basically fell in love with it on my first day after moving here from Munich/Germany.
I’m absolutely fascinated by DC’s buildings: from important government institutions like the US Capitol or Lincoln Memorial to beautiful townhouses in Georgetown – I can never get enough of just walking around the city. Washington offers such a variety of neighborhoods, that all look completely different and serve different purposes: For example we have the bar district in Adams Morgan, shopping in Georgetown and a lot of culture and history on the Mall.
To me DC spreads a huge creative vibe, that I never experienced before. The people here are extremely friendly and kind and very international – You hear so many accents and languages on the streets, which I like very much, because my silly German accent doesn’t really attract attention 😉
I could go on an on about DC, but I think it’s best if you all come to visit and see “my” wonderful DC for yourself!