Born and raised in Calgary, Susen grew up dividing most weekends and holidays between the family farm and the mountains, while she enjoyed summers with family in Europe. This gave her ample inspiration with which to fill the sketchbooks she always carried with her. An only child, Suse developed a rich imagination which she expressed through writing short stories, poetry, music, and by sketching.
Working extensively in acrylics Suse is best known for her whimsical animals, and her celebrated landscapes with their vivid, dramatic skies, all brought to life with contrasting and harmonious colors, rich textures, and bold compositions. Often messy, sometimes simplistic and stripped down, occasionally sentimental; Suse’s paintings are like life itself.
Susen’s work has been showcased at The Apik Art Gallery, Poor David’s Galleria, on Gallea, Only Local, and Rachel Notley’s Art from the Unknown. Susen is a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists as well as a curated member of RAWartists. Her work enhances spaces throughout North America, Europe, and East Asia.
When she’s not in her art studio, you’re most likely to find Susen hiking with her two giant dogs, working in her gardens,, or enjoying a game of cards with her family.
“I am first & foremost a storyteller,
and I invite you to join me on this visual journey.”
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Inspired by everything I see, hear, and experience. I paint the world from my personal perspective rather than objective reality. Attempting to depict the very essence of my subjects, I aspire to introduce viewers to a fresh and unique way of seeing the world.
My painting style is strongly influenced by Post-Impressionist and Abstract art concepts. The pieces I create are intended to be a conduit for people to affirm their core essence. When viewing and analyzing my paintings, people talk about them with images of their own, which reflect their personal experiences. Each brushstroke takes on a singular meaning that is true and significant exclusively for each individual viewer.
I delight in exploring subtle and rich textures, transparent, translucent, and vibrant colours, and the incorporation of various media in order to evoke long forgotten memories and a visceral response from the viewer. As the creator of a painting, I have the imperative to turn my subjects into a very personal expression.
Being self-taught gives me no parameters on what is correct, acceptable, or erroneous. Art is all about pushing boundaries, discarding any notion of a comfort zone, embracing vulnerability, and relinquishing conventional confines. I have never believed there is any right or wrong in art.
