Welcome to the Milwaukee, WI home studio of Irene Sustar.

When I visited Irene's beautiful, sun-filled apartment in the Walker's Point neighborhood, I was transported back to my days in Chicago apartments with exposed brick and big windows and all of the sounds of a bustling city. 

With about 800 sq. ft. of living space, Irene has thoughtfully created a minimalist, clean, compact work and studio area. It's free of any clutter or 'extra' things and everything has its place. Being in her home, you can see how Irene could be so inspired by place- the ever-changing shapes created by the light and shadows of the days. 

When I visited Irene, she was using a book of color schemes, mixing paints to match the colors she chose from the book. Then, she has a variety of mixed paints in little containers, ready for her next painting. It was so blissfully meditative just watching her mix colors!

WOODWALK 

Describe your work in three words

Irene

Painterly, quiet, atmospheric

WOODWALK 

What do you love about your chosen medium?

IRENE

I love how much range paint has. You can make it thick or thin, loose or detailed, soft or bold. It never feels too perfect, and I like that. And a brushstroke can feel almost like a thought or a small gesture.

WOODWALK

Is there another medium you'd enjoy exploring?

IRENE

Lately I’ve been getting into film photography. I like how tangible it feels and how once you take the shot, that’s it. I’m still figuring out the technical side, but I really enjoy the process. One of my favorite parts of being on vacation is going for a walk with just my film camera, leaving my phone behind, and exploring. Slowing down to take photos helps me notice the beauty in a new place. I’m also curious about ceramics. There’s something really appealing about a functional object also being an art piece.

WOODWALK

Tell us about the body of work you have at Woodwalk this year?

IRENE

Painting has become more of an escape than ever and this body of work reflects that. It lets me shut everything out and just focus on shapes and color. My subjects have shifted toward slower, quieter moments that hold a certain feeling, like wandering through shops or museums, or sitting with a good beer in a sunlit courtyard.

WOODWALK

What are some consistent aspects of your creative process?

IRENE

Lately, I’ve started sketching out ideas to get a better sense of the composition. I usually pull from a mix of source images,some are my own photos, others come from travel blogs or things I’ve saved along the way. 

One of my favorite parts of painting is mixing the colors. I have a couple of color theory books I flip through for palette ideas. Once the concept is clear, I’ll mix the paints and store them in little condiment containers,they actually keep the paint usable for months. 

I use the sketch as a loose guide. If I plan too much, it tends to take the fun out of it. I try to mix different types of marks and let patterns and color guide how the eye moves across the canvas. When I think a piece is close to being done, I usually leave it alone for a few days. Sometimes I’ll frame and hang it up to see how it feels in a space. 

I’ve found that helps me decide if it’s finished or if it still needs something. It’s also a good way to keep from overworking pieces.

WOODWALK 

What does your ideal day in the studio look like?

IRENE

My favorite studio days are quiet weekend mornings with no plans, just a slow start and plenty of coffee. I usually begin by flipping through my library of images while I sip my coffee then sketch. I’ll put on a film score (lately I’ve been enjoying The Brutalist) or disco if I’m looking for more energy. The best painting days are the ones where I can settle in for the long haul, ideally with the full day to work.

WOODWALK

If you could go anywhere in the world for a creative residency, where would you go?

IRENE

I’d go to the Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz or another fancy ski destination. I love how skiing creates unstructured patterns across the snow, and the mix of mountains, skiers, and a slow luxury lifestyle makes it the perfect subject for the kind of work I’ve been exploring lately. Plus, I really love skiing.

WOODWALK

What inspires or influences you?

IRENE

Edward Hopper and other Bay Area painters have always been a huge influence in my work, I love the stillness and color palette, and sophisticated aesthetic.

WOODWALK

How has your work evolved over the years?

IRENE

It’s changed quite a bit over time. As my taste has evolved, so have my color palettes and subject matter. It took me a while to find my rhythm and to develop a voice that felt like mine. I experimented with abstract for a while, but it never felt entirely natural. In college, I was really into aerial views, but eventually that started to feel a bit one-note. Things started to click when I stopped taking it so seriously and just focused on creating and letting the process lead the way.

WOODWALK

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

IRENE

Nothing comes to mind! Just a big thank you for your support and for creating such a thoughtful space for artists to share their work.