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Susan Smith
Artist Statement Have you ever wondered what an artist was thinking when they painted a still life with fruit? Were they hungry? Did they just like the colors or perhaps the way the light struck the apple? Or do you just accept it as an image of something you recognize, something familiar, something REAL? But what is this abstract piece? It looks like a bird, you say. NO! If we wanted to paint a bird, we would have! |
Abstract painting is the physical manifestation of the artist’s feelings or ideas as expressed by forms, colors, textures, lines and gestures. It is a brief excursion into the mind of the artist, sometimes a happy journey… but not always. It invites the viewer to contemplate, imagine and question. It is an attempt at a secret conversation between the viewer and the creator. But it does not depend on any one interpretation. The work can speak to each of us in different ways depending on our own feelings at the moment. And that is fine. The piece won’t judge.
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SUSAN'S BIO
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Susan's goal as an abstract artist is to create a provocative image that encourages viewers to look further. Layer by layer, she builds up the painting then obscures or unearths parts of it. This back and forth creates a dialogue which determines the direction of the piece.
She uses a variety of tools and techniques. Acrylic paints figure prominently, as well as paper which she finds or embellishes and uses as collage elements. Stamping, scratching, adding found objects and creating three- dimensional areas are all fair game. Kitchenware shops, hardware stores and antique stores are some of her favorite hunting grounds for non traditional tools. As she works on the painting, adding elements, she may be drawn to certain areas which she will then enhance; conversely she may cloud areas to create a sense of mystery. As Susan lets the painting speak to her, she aims to develop a composition that will pique curiosity, inviting viewers to sit a bit and enjoy her imagery. |
