Artist’s statement:

“I am Turtle”    Susan is part of the Mohawk Turtle Clan. Ancestors say the Turtle is a strong caretaker of Mother Earth. A deeply spiritual connection to the land is considered one of the strongest traits of the Turtle Clan who are very methodical, patient and don’t like to be rushed. Perhaps this explains Susan’s penchant to watercolour and carbon dust painting.  Only recently did Susan delve into acrylic painting - in hopes of becoming looser in her painting style.

 

As a youth and beginning teacher in Brantford, Ontario, Susan was very active in the Arts. Fast forward to Kingston, 1999: retirement … time to revisit her passion for music, art and photography. In 2001 her photo of white lilies won a national competition.

 

Susan enrolled in 2005 in a basic watercolour course at St. Lawrence College.  Instruction in botanical watercolours, instructed by Marta Scythes, followed and was singularly instrumental in her progress.  In 2009, Susan was introduced to carbon dust painting, a method of painting with a dry brush, using dry dust on a dry canvas, with a concentration on tonal values.  The techniques fascinated her and have facilitated production of some amazing pieces.  Carbon dust painting proved to be a complementary medium for portraiture and capturing the mood and beauty of the scenery of the Li River in China. Interpreting her photos from Asia has been a challenging painting experience but provides a wide array of subject matter.

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Besides completing several courses at St. Lawrence College and the Kingston School of Art, Susan has also participated in various workshops with Bonnie Brooks, Hi-Sook Barker, Brian Smith and Gord Mackenzie.

In October 2010, her first solo show was a tremendous success.  She has also shown in Kingston Public Library, The Lodge on Amherst Island, Napanee Hospital, Bath Artisans Gallery (ongoing), Ye Olde Art Shoppe at Fort Henry (summer 2016 & 2017) and twice at the Domino Theatre Lobby Gallery.

 

As a member and Past President of Bath Artisans, Susan has the opportunity to associate with and learn from other talented artists. In the spring of 2012, she was delighted that her design won the contest for their new logo.

Landscapes, waterscapes, florals, still life and portraiture of human, animal and bird friends are also part of Susan’s portfolio; hence, the name of her Studio: Petals, Paws, Wings and Things.

Through art, Susan is able to expand and enhance her connection with the world and to share the experiences of her journeys – life journeys and geographical journeys.

 

Petals, Paws, Wings, and Things

 

Tel: 613-389-7038        

e-mail: gardensue@hotmail.com             

Website: gardensue.wixsite.com/mysite-1

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