Susan M. Matthews is a multidisciplinary artist living and working in Rhode Island. She makes sculpture and other things, mostly out of ceramic and/or fiber and spends an inordinate amount of time thinking about the meaning of objects. Her work has been shown at the University of Rhode Island, AS220, the Newport Art Museum, the Jamestown Arts Center, and Hera Gallery, along with other venues. Susie recently opened OVERLAP, an art exhibition space in Newport RI, in order to give regional artists and collectors more opportunity to show and/or experience contemporary, non-traditional art. She received her MFA in ceramics from RISD in 2004.
2025
wool, cotton, linen, polyester
Artist Statement
These pieces are part of my recent, experimental series of knit and crocheted “drawings.” I am interested in the idea of a three-dimensional drawing- a drawing in which the lines have left the static surface of the paper and “come alive”. This animation is reinforced by my intention that the audience manipulate the drawings into whatever format they find appealing. Play and experimentation are encouraged. The flexibility of the drawings also allows them to be hung on the wall in almost any space. They can adapt to their environment- an unusual, accommodating and very practical quality in an artwork. The knit and crocheted textures are familiar but oddly re-contextualized. This series is an exploration undertaken to satisfy my own curiosity, but I hope the resulting work will kindle intrigue, amusement and further questioning on the part of the audience.
Additional Info
Artist Website: Susan M. Matthews
Instagram: @smmartmaker
Part of Growing the NetWorks
This artist was selected by a past NetWorks Rhode Island participant as part of Growing the NetWorks — a 2025 exhibition presented by WaterFire Providence, at the WaterFire Arts Center, celebrating peer-nominated artists from across Rhode Island. Learn more at waterfire.org/growingthenetworks
Highlighting the work of selected artists who have played vital roles in shaping the contemporary visual arts community in Rhode Island. This collection of brief video portraits provides a window into the lives, practices, and cultural contributions of professional artists.
