Susan Kim Alvarez
Susan Kim Alvarez was born in Honolulu, HI, and lives and works in Miami, FL. Alvarez received an Interdisciplinary sculpture degree from Maryland Institute College of Art in 2022. Alvarez uses paints and mixed materials to create wondrous landscapes depicting a conglomeration of mythologies based on her personal and childhood experiences. Her works use humor and satire for existential and introspective exploration. Selected Solo exhibitions “Mount Royal Mansion exhibit” curated by Abigail Deville, Baltimore, MD (2020), “Oogly Boogly” at NSU Art Museum, Fort Lauderdale, FL (2023), and “Squonk, Squonky, Squonkalicious” at Storage Archive Gallery, New York City, NY (2024). Alvarez has attended Bakehouse Art Complex summer Residence, Miami, FL (2022), Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, Skowhegan, ME (2023), and has work in the private and public collections of Marquez Art Project and NSU Art Museum.
Collect Bean: What is the kindest thing someone can tell you about your work?
Susan Kim Alvarez: That they’re having fun and excited to find new things while looking at and experiencing it.
Collect Bean: Where are you currently finding inspiration?
Susan Kim Alvarez: I often make work based on my everyday experiences or whatever my special interests happen to be. It’s always easy to approach or even explain my work when it’s something I enjoy.
Collect Bean: What does an ideal day in your studio look like?
Susan Kim Alvarez: If I can get in there and make some decent progress while laughing about what I’m making, I feel so accomplished. It’s easily the best feeling in the world.
Collect Bean: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Susan Kim Alvarez: Just keep making what you love to make and ignore people’s opinions who aren’t living the life you want for yourself. Nothing is guaranteed so you have to enjoy yourself along the way.
Collect Bean: If you had to describe your work in only three words, what would they be?
Susan Kim Alvarez: Bingle Bongle Boopee.
