This week I had the pleasure of visiting with artist Suzzanne Stangel at her studio and learning a bit more about her work with driftwood. I am always impressed when an artist’s studio is so organized, because it is one of the things that always seems to elude me. It was fascinating to see the large pile of driftwood just waiting to be turned into beautiful sculptures. A California transplant over seven years ago, Suzzanne worked in clothing design for her entire career but now devotes herself to her artistic endeavors. We spoke a bit about her process and how the various pieces of wood speak to her. After I had admired her work I had some questions for Suzzanne.

What drew you to working with driftwood as a medium for your sculptures?

I had been carving stone but when my husband and I moved to PT eight years ago, I felt a strong pull to the driftwood so I thought I would try to carve it. I was immediately hooked and haven’t stopped since.

Can you describe your process for finding and selecting the right pieces of driftwood for your sculptures?

I know there are some restrictions on removing driftwood from our local beaches.

I know a Native American from Oregon who comes up here a few times a year with driftwood and I get my pieces from him. My process is simple. I just pick the ones that I’m drawn to.

Do you ever have a specific idea or theme in mind when you start a new driftwood sculpture, or do you let the wood guide your creative process?

I never start with an idea. I just pick a piece of wood out of my pile and let whatever is inside come out. The direction is constantly changing, but there is a point in which I feel the personality of the wood and that starts to guide me.

I imagine driftwood can be a unique and challenging material to work with.

How do you overcome those challenges?

It is sometimes quite challenging. It depends on how long it’s been in the water and how it lands on the beach. One side might be easy to carve while the other has more layers of dirt and has been in the sun for years, which makes it very hard to carve. It gets frustrating but it’s part of the process.

Could you share a memorable experience or story related to one of your driftwood sculptures?

I’ve had a few pieces over the years that I’ve started and put down because I wasn’t getting the right feeling. Sometimes they’ll be in the pile for a year and for some reason I’ll go back to them and see them with different eyes. Some of those pieces have been my favorites.

What inspires your art? Are there recurring themes that you explore in your work?

I’m inspired by different ancient cultures. I’ve never thought about recurring themes, but I guess I do have distinct tribal style in all of my sculptures.

Do you work on your art every day?

Yes, I’m in my studio every day. It’s my refuge from this crazy world we live in. I listen to music and get lost in creating.

How do you balance preserving the natural beauty of the driftwood with your creative vision for a sculpture?

I like to think that I’m adding to the beauty of the wood by peeling layers away and revealing its inner beauty.

What emotions or reactions do you hope your driftwood sculptures evoke in viewers?

I love when people look at my work and have their own vision. I have a friend that got emotional about one of my latest sculptures as it reminded her of herself and her son. These are the reactions that make it all worthwhile.

Does your background in clothing design influence your artwork at all?

I think everything about my work is influenced by my design background. I’m always thinking about what I can add to my sculptures like found objects, hand-dyed fabric or paint.  I never thought about it but I guess it’s my way of dressing them.

Do you sometimes work with other mediums besides driftwood?

I sometimes still sculpt stone and clay, but for the last eight years driftwood has been my favorite medium

I first saw your work at the Art Farm Gallery. Can you share any other upcoming shows or exhibitions where people can see your driftwood sculptures?

I have two sculptures in a group show at the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor from October 6 to December 1. One can also view my work on my website www.sstangel.com

Last but not least, I like to ask the artists I meet what three artists living or dead would they love to share a meal with?

That’s a difficult question because there are so many artists I admire and would love to meet. But right off the top of my head

Salvador Dali, Picasso and Basquiat

Carolyn Lewis is a serial entrepreneur, artist and community builder happily living and working in Port Townsend. Visit her social media group Port Townsend Life and follow her on Instagram @carolynannelewis