Hello, and welcome to Wild Villa Studio.
I’m Sue Villanova, the artist behind this collection of coastal art, woven tapestries, and nature-inspired home décor. I’m so glad you’re here. This first post feels like the perfect place to share how Wild Villa Studio came to be and why every piece I create begins long before it reaches my hands.
It All Starts With a Walk
Some of my happiest moments are spent wandering shorelines, mountain paths, and desert landscapes. I’ve always been drawn to the treasures nature leaves behind—a shell shaped by the tides, a piece of driftwood polished by years in the ocean, or a soft fleece transformed into beautiful fiber by the hands of shepherds. What many people see as simple natural objects, I see as stories waiting to be told. Each shell has traveled its own journey through the sea. Each weathered branch has endured wind, water, and time. Every wool fiber carries a connection to the land where it was raised, from sheep farms in Canada and Italy to the hands that carefully prepare it for weaving. Collecting these materials has become more than a creative process—it’s a way of connecting with the natural world and honoring its beauty.
Art Shaped by Nature
My journey began with coastal art created from ocean-worn treasures gathered along the shoreline. I loved arranging shells and driftwood into pieces that celebrated their natural beauty while preserving the stories they carried.
Over time, fiber art found its way into my creative practice.
Weaving became another language through which I could express the rhythms and textures of nature. The movement of waves, the colors of a beach sunset, the quiet beauty of desert landscapes, and the organic forms found in the natural world all began influencing my work in new ways.
Today, my art lives at the intersection of these passions.
Some pieces are created entirely from shells, driftwood, and other natural materials. Others combine handwoven fibers with nature-inspired elements—a shell nestled into a fringe, driftwood serving as a frame, or materials gathered from the deserts of Arizona, including cholla wood and saguaro remnants.
Though the mediums may differ, every piece shares the same purpose: to honor the gifts of the natural world and allow nature itself to guide the design.
Creating with Intention
At the heart of Wild Villa Studio is a belief that art can help us reconnect with nature.
In a world that moves quickly, I hope my work offers a moment of pause—a reminder of a favorite beach walk, a peaceful mountain view, or the simple wonder of discovering something beautiful that nature has left behind.
Sustainability is an important part of this journey. By working with naturally shed, found, and responsibly sourced materials, I strive to create art that respects the environments that inspire it.
Thank You for Being Here
Whether you’ve found Wild Villa Studio because you love coastal décor, woven art, natural materials, or simply feel connected to the beauty of the outdoors, I’m grateful you’ve stopped by.
This blog will be a place where I share my creative process, the stories behind my pieces, inspiration from my travels, and the natural treasures that continue to shape my work.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Welcome to Wild Villa Studio.
— Sue Villanova
Artist & Founder, Wild Villa Studio 🌊🤍🧵🌿
We are all works in progress!
