To create is an instinct that everyone possesses. It’s a part of being human. We all choose to pursue it in different ways, as a form of our self-expression. I’ve always been a visual person. Images are my way of communicating. I have a strong need to create art, maybe it’s because Art was the one subject I was good at in school. If I haven’t drawn, painted, or done something with my hands for a period of time, I feel empty and even a little grumpy. My artwork is a physical expression of myself. When you look at one of my paintings, drawings, or photographs I hope you feel as if you just met me.
I’m always trying to come up with something unique and different with my artwork, which isn’t easy, but it keeps me thinking, experimenting, and learning. I often come across new materials or techniques that create a spark of inspiration and the desire to make something new and out of the ordinary. To combine two materials or medium that I haven’t put together before can generate something really innovative and fun or something that shouldn’t ever leave the art studio.
I’ve always enjoyed botanical and floral works of art. It’s a subject matter I’ve explored for sometime now. The colors, textures, and shapes are an unlimited inspiration. I don’t try copy nature, for there’s no need for that, I just really enjoy the unlimited image possibilities.
The wire floral series is some of my most recent work. It started with an inspiration after seeing the Alexander Calder exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum. I’ve always wanted to work with wire, but never found the use for it. One day while painting a lily, I stopped and looked at the stamens, which resemble wires and beads, so why not make those three-dimensional in the painting. I found my use for wire that I was looking for. Later, I started adding more glass beads, which resemble dew or pollen. I am looking at expanding this series into other themes and uses.
Susan Eileen Wiersema
