Interview by Sydney Clarkson

Professor Susi Brister is an esteemed and talented photographer and artist on faculty at St. Edward’s University. She received two undergraduate degrees at the University of Texas in Art/Photography and Cultural Anthropology. Then subsequently, Prof. Brister earned her Master’s degree in Studio Art Photography in Montreal, Canada. Her most recent work is her collection, Fables, which is being showcased at Women and their Work, a nonprofit art gallery that showcases only the work of female artists here in Austin. She was chosen among six other artists in an international call for submissions. In the following interview, she shares details of her creative process, personal journey as an artist and the development of her newest work.

Tell us a little bit about Fables…?

In a fable, there are no human characters, only animals, plants, and creatures, and that relates to my work because it focuses on ambiguous figures, humanistic figures becoming a part of landscape. I am interested in the separation of the natural world and the way as humans we try to represent it. For example, with the use hair extensions and faux fur in my collection, I take a representation of the real and take it back into the landscape. The juxtaposition between real and artificial is what I am playing with.

There are 19 images in the show. 13 of the 19 made for the show were made from April to October. There was a ton of work involved. Most of the photos were taken in Texas, McKinney Falls; the other six where shot in various places like Arizona, Southwest US.

Where does your inspiration come from?

A lot of my ideas are tactile. They can come from me seeing something like your hair which is really full and thick – so from that texture, it’s finding a place where that works, where there are opposites, some place that speaks to me. I am really interested in taking something and making it look like something else. I am able to create this world that makes the viewer picture another world.

What advice would you give to young artists and writers?

Based on this work…

No matter what the medium, really pursue what interests and inspires you even if you don’t understand its meaning. Don’t doubt yourself. The worst thing you can do is nip creativity in the bud. Don’t be afraid to commit to something even if it’s challenging. A lot of my pieces begin with something as simple as going to the fabric store, seeing color, texture, fabric, even a coat (like your plaid sparkly tweed). Start with a small piece of something that inspires you and stick with it until you find you have a finished product.

For more visit her website: http://www.susibrister.com/