Celebrating Maryland visual arts and artist, painting, sculpture and more

Artist Sue Stockman turns found materials into magical mosaics

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Published on Tuesday, 31 July 2012 09:46

Written by Jane McConnell

My house is on Railroad Avenue, on the right. You can't miss it," Sue told me over the phone when I called to meet with her.

Should you be lucky enough to travel down Railroad Avenue in St. Michaels, a beautiful little town on the shores of the Miles River, you too will easily find Sue's house. Mosaics grace the front walkway as well as the Koi pond and barn wall. Buckets of broken pottery and tiles line the path to the backyard. Bits of blues and greens with the reflection of a mirror sit waiting to become a part of something magical. This is no ordinary place.

Sue Stockman is an extraordinary artist who works in many mediums, including jewelry, sculpture, and mosaics. Much of what is ultimately included in one of Sue's pieces is "found" material. Wire and stone, tiles, and ceramics are just the beginning. She doesn't work alone, however. Her partner in work and life is Bobby Malzone.

A few years ago, Sue and Bobby combined their families from previous marriages, four children in all, and their talents. The woodworking skills that Bobby brought to the table make it possible for Sue to create mosaics on a grand scale.

One such piece stretches across a wall at Rise Up Coffee, a newly opened coffee shop on Dover Street in Easton. The approximately 8-foot-long branch of a coffee tree shimmers in ceramic greens and reds.

Sue's work hangs over mantles in Florida, the walls of homes both near and far, and businesses seeking to make a statement. In addition to her mosaics, Sue creates jewelry. Silver and copper that twists and turns around stones of various shades make Sue's pieces easily recognizable.

The beauty in nature, as well as a desire to serve in her community, inspires Sue's work. Working through grants from the Maryland Arts Council as well as the Talbot County Arts Council, Sue shares her talents and know-how with students and teachers alike, going into schools throughout the year. Sue believes that we should all be open to the magical connections of life.

"The journey of life is worthy of recording," she teaches.

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