Susie Kunzelman,
Artist

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Susie's drawings, done in ink and marker, are inspired from previously owning two floral shops. She attended Hixson's School of Floral Design and Art Institute for Photography. Her whimsical creations are truly unique to her own style which pours from her sense of balance and imagination, straight from the soul! Susie's artwork can be found in several Pittsburgh galleries. She has been spotlighted in local papers and television. Susie has participated in many shows: individual, juried, benefits. Susie has donated much of her time and artwork to many local charities and causes. Custom orders are always fulfilled with glee!


Doodled bugs draw her to create insect art
By Grace Rishell
Post-Gazette Staff Writer

Artist Susie Kunzelman has a love-hate relationship with bugs.

On the one hand, the Crafton resident is driven by a compulsion to draw them. On the other, "I really hate live bugs. I'm squeamish, like a little child. I used to whip off my shoe and kill them."

Several years ago, a friend who is an animal rights activist convinced Kunzelman to take a more pacifist stand and stop killing the little creatures. But her bug drawing continued unabated.

A 1974 graduate of Carlynton High School, Kunzelman worked in the florist business and studied floral design and photography.

Twelve years ago, she went to work for a telephone company, delivering supplies. About five years ago, she started carrying a tablet with her and began drawing on her breaks, even though "I never drew before I got this job."

For some unexplained reason, her doodles always turned into bugs. "They're not based on any particular bug. They're always out of my imagination, and each has lots of antennae, tentacles and legs, Kunzelman said.

When she's done with a drawing, she gives the bug a name, usually based on some aspect of its physical features or a personality treat that emerges from the sketch.

Her favorite is "Red Rover," done in red and black with a flower design for eyes. Kunzelman traced the key from her old Ford for "Red Rover's" nose.

She theorized that perhaps her drawings are reincarnations of all the bugs she previously killed. "I've no idea where they come from."

Kunzelman has done some special bug drawings on request, including a dust mite and a wasp, for her allergist.