User:Sooo-z

Hailing from the tranquil surrounds of the Hudson Valley, Sooo-z channeled an unusual energy from her docile environment. It was here that she first experimented with fashion and fabric construction and eventually harnessed her present day aesthetic. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York with a BFA in Fashion Design and Textile Design, Sooo-z parlayed her talents into unfettered territories including costume design for a rock band as well as for local community theater. With an official career that began in the interior design sector as an Art Director for a high end custom art rug gallery, her greatest affirmation came as a special collaboration featured a layout in a “Before and After” segment in Architectural Digest.

The birth of “Mastropiece”, which now serves as a working title, started as a silk painting business to create and sell accessory and apparel designs that infused art with utilitarian purpose. Her wares were sold at high-end craft shows at the Puck Building and the Armory. Clever themes, interesting colors, and innovative fabric manipulation became her artistic signature. The recent development of the ‘Knitiot Savant’ title, both self-deprecating and distinguished, describes the witty fabric tube medium she has invented and developed as her own unique artform. Her latest work has been shown regionally and throughout the country.

Community contributions range from beloved public fiberglass sculptures in The Stamford Cow Parade of 2000, The Car Parade of 2001, Dinosaurs Rule of 2015, to Project Return birdhouses, to artistic development for the Art About Town event through the WDMA, artist residencies in schools, and ArtSmarts in the Westport Public Schools. She has judged several regional fine art shows and curated over 60 themed art shows for various spaces in Fairfield County including the Maritime Garage Gallery and the Mayor's Gallery of Norwalk. Through her own varied experiences as an artist, musician, and designer she has also been able to give back by helping other artists gain exposure and creating new viewing opportunities for art. www.mastropiece.com