Raiders of the Lost Art

Raiders of The Lost Art, the enchanting Etsy shop featuring Attic Dolls, vintage jewelry, altered books, assemblage sculpture and prints, is the creative brain-child of Susan Hoerth of McAllen, Texas.

I discovered her shop through the magic of Etsy circles and have been following her mysteriously beautiful works of art, and her amazing taste in other Etsy offerings, ever since.

I had the opportunity to interview Susan recently and came away suitably impressed by her many accomplishments.

Gold Dust Studios: Besides metal, beads, wood, and paper are there any other favorite materials you work with?
Susan Hoerth: I like to work with most any materials: plaster, clay, found objects, any thing I find.

GDS: How long have you been making art?
SH: I have been doing art since I was a child, but I started selling when I worked with ceramics and clay about 15 years ago. I took a ceramics workshop at the Kohler Art Center in Wisconsin and have not stopped creating since.

GDS: Do you have formal training or are you self-taught?
SH: I am self taught.

GDH: Are you a full-time artist or do you also have another career?
SH: I am a High School Teacher In Deep South Texas, I do inclusion services for physics and chemistry.

GDH: Does your environment impact your art?
SH: I think it has brought out the colors in my art and affects the pieces that I find, the vintage items that I presently work with. I have spent time in the Middle East, where I have picked up items as well as China, Egypt, and India.

GDS: Who are some of your creative influences?
SH: My assemblage has been influenced by Joseph Cornell, Rauschenberg, and de Meng.

GDS: Where do you create your wonderful pieces?
SH: I have a small studio in home, that I share with my Son who also does art. He has been juried a finalist in the Hunting Award 2011, which I am very proud of.

I have exhibited in several fairs in Wisconsin, and have had an exhibit at the Art House in McAllen TX. I also show at Coffee houses and restaurants locally.

Be sure to check out Raiders Of The Lost Art on Etsy – you're in for a treat!

Until next time, be well and stay curious!