About Sooz Functional Artwork

Sooz Functional Artwork is the result of the creative and business efforts of Susan (Sooz) and Steve Monken. Established in Southern California in 1993 Sooz created "functional artwork" by hand painting home furnishings and interior decorating items. Realizing the tremendous efforts and time needed to fabricate and hand paint her designs she developed the use of computers and screen printing to create a faithful reproduction of her art onto a large selection of products. Unfortunately, Los Angeles experienced disastrous events in early 90's that precluded her firmly establishing herself in the local market, although her products were well received. The localized economic downturn following civil unrest, earthquake, fires and floods left her with a choice of abandoning her passion or packing up and starting over.

Greetings from Tennessee.

Sooz's shop is located in the beautiful foothills of Eastern Tennessee, along the shore of Cherokee Lake.

Sue is a formally trained fine artist. Beginning her art training at the age of nine, Sue obtained her fine art degree in studio painting at the University of New Mexico and Sonoma State University (California), and continues her lifelong studies to further develop her talents and skills. Sue is a proud member of the Artisans of Rural Tennessee (ARTs), a group of dedicated artisans who produce fine arts and crafts in the beautiful rural county of Grainger, located northeast of Knoxville, TN.

Sooz has designed a quilt pattern for the Appalachian Quilt Trail project. Her quilt "Tennessee Iris" is proudly on display on the Whitt's Barn here in Grainger County. It can be seen at www.vacationaqt.com/trail/waypoint/whitt-quilt-barn.htm or if you are ever in the neighborhood drive down Lakeshore Road just shy of the 2 mile marker on the south side of the road. Can't miss it.

Follow this link to see Sue's resume.