We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sue Hill a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sue, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I spent 25+ years as a Technical Writer and Proposal Writer for Government contacting – writing about shipboard equipment and Information Technology. After my children grew up and completed their higher education, along with an incredibly supportive husband, I realized it was time to turn a hobby that I loved into a full time job and leave the mundane, 9-5 in the past.

Sue, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I like to say I grew up in the Midwest, but I grew up in many places. My father was a salesman in the 70s and 80s and I have traveled through or lived in nearly every state. The Midwest specifically holds the most memories for me, though. It was the place we always ended up going back to after “snow birding”. Personally, I have always danced to the beat of my own drum, did my own thing, and never fell into a template or stereotype. I was the odd, different person growing up. I was the only blue haired punk rocker in a town of 300 people and one of only 7 Juniors in my entire HS class. I loved to draw and create things from little ideas that popped into my head. I was resourceful and creative like my dad – making things out of nothing and always had a project to work on to keep myself busy. Anything Art related was my go to – even my childhood bedroom had my favorite bands and drawings spray-painted on the wallpaper. I would always have a sketchbook and pencil in hand to draw on while taking long trips with family. Fast forward – adult. Married, 3 children, divorced. My 3 boys were always my priority. Remarried and with my kids in school, I took a job as a technical writer and pushed forward to turn it into a full time career of 25+ years. We raised those three boys into amazing young, educated men (proud momma moment). While they were growing up, I thought more and more about the environment, animals, and what the future would look like for them. I took up a few hobbies to keep my mind busy during downtime. I tried painting, drawing, sewing, paper crafting, jewelry, etc. I ran into a glass making tutorial online one day and watched the video. I was mesmerized by the personality in the textures, the sound of the scoring (i.e. cutting), the ting of the break, and was immediately hooked! I started researching, practicing, and making pieces for friends and family. After my kids finished school and their higher education, and an amazingly supportive husband conversation, I retired from the corporate world and dove 100% head first into creating and selling glass art. I wanted to use old glass and highlight its character, I wanted to use discarded vintage items to incorporate into art, I wanted to help non-profits and keep my pieces affordable and share it all with the world. I wanted to share the art with others and teach them the skill and give them an experience. So, I did it. I did it all. I am doing it all and still coming up with more ideas and plans for the future, the environment, and to help non-profits. My brand is my heart, my family, my passion for the environment, living things, and the misfits.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding is being able to talk about and share the art – teach people that art has a special place and it doesn’t have to come from a template or be incredibly expensive. The best reflection of yourself is being true to your art and the ability to make people smile through that art. Additionally, making something out of discarded items and helping non-profits receive much needed donations from it is also a great reward.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As a repetitive transplant from life on the road, I was never able to “plant roots” in one place growing up. That forced me to be able to go with the flow and find a memorable moment in time no matter where I was physically or mentally. Art filled the empty spaces and helped me dive into an alternate space to clear my mind. Breaking glass sings to me and turning it into something different is truly my passion. On any given day, music and glass both speak to me on a therapeutic level.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/shillcreationsstudio_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHillCreationsStudio

Image Credits
All images taken by me