We were lucky to catch up with Suzanne Villella recently and have shared our conversation below.

Suzanne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I won’t lie. I was a rebellious teenager and a handful. My parents raised me and my four siblings with high expectations for faith, work ethic, kindness and dedication. Although I didn’t appreciate these characteristics when I was young, I have ingrained these into who I am today, making me a better spouse, dedicated to my creative and volunteer work, and a mom who is instilling those same values to my children.

My parents encouraged us to follow our own paths, to serve others and to be independent. They didn’t direct our lives or passions, which lead me to study Studio Art and Art History at the University of Arizona. They are still my biggest fans and I often reflect on how fortunate I am to have had a supportive upbringing. My parents are still my biggest fans.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have loved art and creating as long as I can remember. I was a child with a lot of energy! I played just about every sport, climbed trees, and loved the monkey bars at the playground. When not on the move, I was in the basement of my childhood home, perusing World Book Encyclopedias, drawing or painting. From a young age, I loved to create artwork. It’s not surprising. My grandmother was an artist. My aunt, Genevieve Reckling, was a renowned Southwestern painter, who I greatly admired and whose advice I sought along my journey.

I had impressive and dedicated art teachers in high school. They were demanding and inspiring and helped me develop my skills in painting, drawing and silkscreen. As a senior in high school, my plan was to study fine art in college and eventually become an art instructor. I studied 2D Art and Art History at the University of Arizona. I loved figure drawing, pen and ink, and watercolor painting.

My first solo exhibition of large format watercolor paintings was in 1997 at the Little Gallery at De Grazia’s Gallery in the Sun in Tucson. The show opened on my 27th birthday. I was surrounded by the support of my family, friends and coworkers. The show was a success and I thought….I can be an artist. People are appreciating and buying my work!

Almost immediately, life got more joyfully complicated. I married Matt, who was in the Air Force. We quickly welcomed our children Catherine, Anthony and Olivia. I was a full-time mom and Air Force spouse who relocated around the globe 13 times in 20 years. I was dedicated to raising our family and supporting our Air Force family. As our children reached school age, I picked up my pencils and brushes, set up a studio space in a closet and began to create artwork. At the time, I was teaching children and adults at an art studio in Las Vegas. I loved teaching. As I researched lesson plans, I began to explore mixed media and collage, which has been my technique since. Everyone time we relocated, I found galleries to represent me, exposing me to the world of art galleries and exhibitions. My artwork blossomed. I found inspiration in all of my surroundings: my children, a good quote, adventures from living in Europe for four years, and now the beautiful Southwest.

All of this life experience has led me to proudly serving as the President of the Southern Arizona Arts Guild (SAAG) and exhibit my work in their extraordinary gallery in Tucson. It is a passion and an honor to support the local arts community in Tucson and be a part of its growth. SAAG has been actively providing education, support, networking, and exhibitions to local artists, in addition to community outreach, classes and scholarships. I am very proud to be a part of this incredible not-for-profit organization.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being an artist has brought peacefulness into my life, even at the most exhausting and painful times. As I mentioned, my husband served in the Air Force, which included numerous long term deployments, leaving all shared responsibilities and parenting to me. It is imperative to remain strong and sane. Creating art filled many long hours with joy in my studio, often listening to music, and other times digesting sad news, such as the death of a friend or our beautiful niece. My studio is my peaceful place. Creating is therapeutic and a gift for my mind and soul. I love getting in there and getting lost in a project. The further reward is when someone enjoys my work enough to purchase it for their home. That’s a great feeling.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I definitely wish I had joined an art guild sooner! We were constantly relocating, so I never established artistic roots anywhere. When we settled down in Tucson, one of the first things I did was look for an art guild. I wanted to be a part of a creative community. I wanted networking and opportunities. I wanted creatives for friends. I joined the Southern Arizona Arts Guild (SAAG) four years ago and have been a dedicated member ever since. SAAG has provided me with 300 plus creative friends, helpful critiques, educational programs and field trips, a stunning gallery to display my work with 110 other artists, the opportunity to teach classes and take classes, and opportunities for exhibitions in Southern Arizona. The guild has led me to shows and galleries, including the Tucson Gallery at the Proper Shops and the Steinfeld Gallery where you can see my work. Being the president of SAAG has helped me grow personally while fine-tuning my time management, improving my public speaking skills, being present for other artists and their creative endeavors. Being a guild member has opened numerous doors in my artistic career.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.suzannejvillella.com
• Instagram: suzannevillella
• Facebook: Suzanne Jordan Villella