Thoughts from Others
Quote from Suzanne's professor, John Simpson, in a 2001 grant application
Suzanne has practically painted and drawn more than any other activity in her life.
She seems to see the world around her in terms of visual art and has been translating that vision into paintings for longer than I've known her. Her use of color and form is unique in the way that once you know her work, you could recognize it anywhere. The surfaces are lively and fresh to the point where you feel you want to take up a brush yourself. They also have a sense of accessibility that connects people to them.
The Northwest has untold numbers of deCillia paintings in collections, both private and public. Many of her paintings have been shown nationally and internationally. Her market seems to be expanding globally, which I feel is long overdue.
Letter from Kathryn Woody, sent to Suzanne on April 30, 1990
Autobiographical Sketch for English 8-6
When I was nine years old and living in Washington State, my favorite person outside my immediate family was a fifty-year-old artist named Suzanne deCillia (or “Suzi”, as I called her). Our first meeting was quite by coincidence, for her daughter was swimming on the same team as were my brother and I. While awaiting my turn to practice my butterfly stroke, I was sitting on the sidelines, and to occupy my time while I waited, I was sketching cats in various poses. Suzi sat down next to my mom, and they launched into idle conversation—discussing everything from swim team gossip to favorite cooking techniques. Finally, the subject turned to art and me. From that point on, Suzi and I became excellent friends.
I spent three years as her only student, which was in itself extraordinary, since it had been her policy never to give lessons to “kids who are unruly, messy, and with discipline problems in general.” Fortunately, she had decided that I was different from most “kids”, and besides, she liked me (and really, I would never have thought of giving her any problems). And so, in 1985, I became her student.
Between 1985 and 1988, I created more than sixty works—paintings in oil or acrylic, as well as drawings in charcoal, pastel chalks, or pencil. In April of my sixth-grade year, Suzy told me that she was going to present my works at an art show in her Snohomish, Washington studio. We spent a month in preparation. Invitations were designed, prints were made, paintings and drawings were framed, and the refreshment list was prepared. Finally, after long and excited anticipation, opening day arrived with a wonderful outcome. Many people attended the show—even people I did not know! I sold eleven paintings and numerous prints. Being an art student of Suzanne deCillia was the most memorable experience in my life.
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