Suzanne (Rich) Eaton
Welcome! I'm a kid at heart, a creative thinker, and a science geek who loves to explore. My passions are to learn, invent, create, share, and play. I've documented here a wide range of my art projects—old and new.
For over thirty years, I’ve worked in a variety of creative fields—as an editorial illustrator, a magazine designer, a concept artist, and a website builder. Currently I plan community-engaging collaborative art events for a non-profit, using LEGO bricks as a medium.
I started out by earning a BFA in Illustration from Mass. College of Art, and later studied learning theory while providing creative support at MIT's Media Lab.
After taking some time to start and care for my family (which included a lot of learning about special education), I updated my digital design skills and became comfortable creating art on a tablet (which began as drawing portraits for fun). I took up nature journaling, studied botanical art with the Mass. Horticulture Society, and earned a certificate in Natural Science Illustration from RISD. Here's a visual of my learning during the pandemic.
I continue honing my rendering skills through careful observation of the natural world. Wooded trails near my home act as an endless source of wonder. When studying my tiniest subjects, I often use macro photography to expand my vision. Although these images are primarily captured as reference for future drawings and paintings, they sometimes feel like a worthy pursuit on their own—so I share those here as well.
My latest personal work is more abstract—temporary sculptures with elements of public participation and playful crafting. Natural forms still provide inspiration, but now I feel free to explore concepts of connection, impermanence, shared experience, and more. I hope to expand on this work, to help others better recognize and appreciate that which may not be immediately visible, such as: ecological webs, community strength, or even autistic joy.
This summer I will be attending the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators' annual conference. Meanwhile, I am seeking to learn more about civic science communication and hope to make contact with like-minded creatives.
Please, take a look around. Follow me on social media, and contact me with any questions. Thank you for visiting!
