Did her fashion background lead her to wielding a blow torch? Marie Suri studied marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology and worked for The Limited among other clothing firms. But after her first child was born, she left her fashion career to be a stay-at-home mom. Clothing was a three dimensional art form and she was drawn to this kind of art whether she was exploring galleries in New York City or creating her own work.

“I was much more interested in three dimensional work versus flat pieces.” Marie signed up for a class in ceramics at a local art studio when her two sons began elementary school, “I wasn’t great at the potter’s wheel or too excited by ceramics so I decided to try metalsmithing which had always interested me.” She worked to combine jewelry making techniques on larger works. Marie incorporated recycled materials, like steel motor components that she found at local salvage yards.

This direction kept her fulfilled and busy for ten years as she built a body of work and worked out of her garage and any other place where she could get access to the tools she needed. Her first pieces were metal wall art, mirrors and tables. “I put together a portfolio and decided it was time to make a living with my work.” Marie first reached out to a local shop, Good Food, Good Things. They showcased a few things that quickly sold. “I was over the moon.”

She was inspired to reach out to others shops and galleries. “I heard “no” a lot, but there was one gallery in particular that I had admired for 25 years. I took my portfolio in and they wanted to show my work.” In doing her own marketing, she says she was fairly naive to just walk in without an agent, but it paid off. “Making it in the art work is so difficult but you have to put yourself out there and persevere.”

When Marie’s sons, who are now 26 and 20, went off to college, she rented a studio full time at an art co-op near her home and secured representation, Liz O’Brien, who is a specialist in the decorative arts. Marie was all-in now. Working from 8 – 4:00 in her studio, Marie says it’s very physical dealing with metal, “I use torches that are 1200 degrees and it’s incredibly hot. No hot yoga for me. I get my workout all day every day in the studio.” Her husband is in awe how Marie yields these tools.

Her most recognizable piece is the GiGi Mirror which is made of steel and bronze medallions. Marie’s portfolio has about 30 pieces in total and she has recently added fire screens to her body of work. Everything is custom and each piece takes about 6 – 8 weeks to create. Marie has been asked to create things for many high end designers and her reputation is growing. She’s adding lighting to her line as well. “I look like a coal miner most days but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s always been my dream to get paid for my art.”

VentureMom Tip
Try different things to learn where your talents lie.