Meet Stacy Suvino | Set Decoration Buyer and Street Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacy Suvino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacy, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I knew at an early age that I was enamored with art, design, music and film. My parents recognized my curiosity and really helped foster my beginning path through summer art classes, music lessons, dance, etc. Later down the road, I had two ” a ha” moments where I knew I wanted to pursue art as a career. The first was while I was on holiday break in New York City with my family and I encountered the Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Windows for the first time. It was so profound to see art, fashion and design come together to tell a magnificent story behind the glass. That moment led to my education at The Fashion Institute in NYC and an eventual job as a window artist in the store that started it all. The second moment was a few years later when I went to see the film “Water for Elephants.” I was so moved by the beauty and history unfolding before my eyes. Jack Fisk was the Production Designer on that film and his work is spectacular. He most recently did “Killers of the Flower Moon” and it’s just wonderful. I knew I wanted to move into film in some capacity as an artist not only to create but also to tell the stories of others. On a side note, last year I had the opportunity to meet Jack and tell him what his work means to me and that it changed the trajectory of my life and creative career. I’ll carry that moment with me for the rest of my life. In addition to my film work, I’ve been creating images through street photography. It’s an extension of storytelling for me and something I love very much. There’s something about capturing a moment in its pure authenticity that I connect with and I’ve had the fortune of meeting some incredible and inspiring people along the way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Working as a Set Decoration Buyer has been such an incredible profession. It enables me to tap into my extensive knowledge of history, work with incredibly talented people and help tell the stories of others. I’ve been so blessed to work on some wonderful projects over the last five years. The highlights include “Minari”, “True Detective”, and “Fancy Dance”. Over the last three years, I’ve had the good fortune of working on Sterlin Harjo’s series for FX on Hulu, “Reservation Dogs”. Helping tell authentic stories of Native Americans truly changed my life. I reconnected with my own Native American roots and worked alongside people who are now like family. It’s pretty remarkable to think that a show could not only bring so much change in my life but even more so has changed television forever and those who are represented. The road here hasn’t been easy. I faced several setbacks in my goal of working in film but I have continued to persist. You have to accept that pursuing a career in film is a challenge but I’ve always believed anything is possible when you put in the work and don’t give up. I’ve had several markers along my journey that have encouraged me to keep going, even when it feels hard. Thankfully, I have an amazing support system that has walked with me along the way.

In my work as a street photographer, I’ve continued to watch how I photograph evolve. Much like filmmaking, photography has the ability to tell a story and also bring about change…what a gift that is. My start in photography is quite unconventional. Six years ago, I came across a book at the library about the street photography of Fred Herzog. I had never heard of him before that day, but with each page turn, I felt a connection. I think I checked that book out around nineteen times and I traveled everywhere with it. I eventually bought the book. I’m inspired by his work, the work of William Eggleston and Garry Winogrand not only because of life that they’ve captured through a cinematic lens but also their view of poignant moments in history. I want to capture moments that bring emotion when you view it. Something I’ve learned along the way, is that everyone has a story they want to share if you are willing to ask. I love the idea that you never know who you’re standing on a street corner with, who you’re sitting next to on the subway or in line with at the grocery store. Beauty, history, stories and lessons are all around us, it’s up to us to uncover them. That’s where I find the joy and hope in the future.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
South Downtown Atlanta is hands down my favorite part of the city, Mitchell Street to be more specific. It’s historically referred to as Hotel Row. It’s currently being revitalized and such an exciting destination in the city. One of my favorite places to visit there is Friedman’s Shoe Store. It’s been there for years and there’s so much history in those walls. The entire store is filled with memorabilia from professional sport athletes who have shopped there dating back into the 1970’s. From there a visit to Rosa’s Pizza on Peachtree is a must. As a former New Yorker, it’s the closest I’ve found to the real deal in Atlanta. Up the road from there, a walk down Auburn Avenue is a must. I’ve spent so much time there. There is so much history intact there and great small business to support, my favorite being Sweet Auburn Bread Company. Lastly, a stop at The King Center is a must. There’s something about sitting on the steps and hearing his “I Have a Dream Speech” that continues to inspire me no matter how many times I’ve heard it.

Outside of that, the Atlanta History Center is a must. They have so many incredible exhibits and The Swann House is so stunning. I recommend seeing a film at The Tara or Midtown Art Cinema. It’s great to support a small arthouse theater and some incredible films show there. A great way to end the day is to get a drink on the rooftop of Hotel Clermont. It’s so charming and the you can’t beat the sunset view.

There’s some incredible places to buy/source antiques and vintage in the city. My favorites include The Antique Factory, Antiques and Beyond, La Librairie, 14th Street Modern, Vintage Home, Architectural Accents and Cathedral of St. Philip Thrift.

A few of my favorite places to dine include, Ani’s Cafe, Silver Skillet for breakfast, Savage Pizza, Flower Child and Buttermilk Kitchen for brunch.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are several people who have helped me to get where I am today. The first is Johanna Burke. She gave me an opportunity right after college graduation to work in the windows at Bergdorf Goodman. I wasn’t sure I was ready but she saw something in me and recommended my hiring. My time there has been the foundation of all of my endeavors since.

The second person is one of my professors from FIT, Anne Kong. She invested in me during my time in school and encouraged me throughout my time there not only on a design level but also as a mentor and friend. She has continued to support me as I have moved along in my creative work and career. I am so thankful to have her in my corner.

The third person is my mentor, friend and agent, Darcie Adler. She continues to champion me as I grow as an artist and encourages me to push myself out of my comfort zone. I have had the opportunity to work on some incredible projects thanks to her and the team at The Spin Style Agency. I’m forever grateful.

The fourth person is Set Decorator, Markus Wittmann. I spent about three years trying to transition into working in the film industry and I couldn’t seem to get a break. “True Detective Season 3” was filming in my hometown and I took a big risk and cold called the UPM. He sent my information to Markus and I was eventually hired to work on the show. Being on that set was an invaluable educational experience that prepared me for my future projects as I moved into my eventual role of Set Decoration Buyer. Fast forward five years later and we were reunited to work on “The Sensitive Kind”. It was a full circle moment to work alongside the very man who gave me my break and I can now call my friend and colleague.

Finally, none of my success would be possible without my parents. Their support on this path has been unwavering. There have been very high highs and very low lows along the way and they’ve been by my side through it all. Their belief in me continues to propel me forward and for that, words could never express how grateful I am for them.

Website: https://www.stacysuvino.com

Instagram: @stacysuvino

Other: https://www.thespinstyle.com

Image Credits
All photos are taken by me