Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Moss.
Hi Susan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Throughout my artistic journey, I have held a deep appreciation for the impact of my classical training, which laid a solid foundation for my creative path. From a young age, I have been hooked on art. The joy of coloring pictures for my mom as a child, and eagerly presenting them to her, was my favorite part of the day. Even now, I find delight in the innocence and playfulness of children’s art.
As I navigated the joys of raising a family I found a source of inspiration in the uninhibited creativity of children’s art. I colored, painted and even had my girls doing printmaking with me. As I aged, my fascination shifted toward the world of abstraction, where I discovered the expressive potential of using a palette knife and exploring unconventional color usage. Over the years, I have been mentored by a diverse community of artists that keeps growing. This has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the importance of “paying it forward” as an important practice of a genuine artist.
Amidst the challenges presented by the global pandemic, I embraced the opportunity to delve into online classes in abstraction, expanding my artistic skills and broadening my perspectives. These classes introduced me to the concept of working in series, a practice that keeps me motivated, prevents creative blockages, and allows diverse ideas to flow and evolve simultaneously. This process engages my mind, nurturing ongoing growth within my art.
Despite encountering obstacles, including continued moments of temporary loss in my sight and mobility, I persist in creating art that captivates and uplifts both myself and those who encounter my work. Guided by notions of beauty, harmony, and balance, I strive to evoke a sense of awe and inspiration in those who engage with my art. While my ultimate goal is to inspire others, it is important to note that my work does not adhere to realism. Just as life itself is imperfect, I abandon perfect lines and precise colors. Instead, I paint with the essence of a life well-lived, rich with its share of ups and downs.
Art, to me, transcends mere passion—it is a gift that encompasses diverse forms of expression, observation, experience, and teaching. Teaching has been an opportunity to share my love of art and inspire my students. By sharing my work and inspiring others, I aim to embody the profound concept of “paying it forward,” nurturing a cycle of creativity and inspiration that upholds the genuine spirit of artistic expression.
Residing in American Fork, Utah, I find myself deeply influenced by the breathtaking landscapes and natural surroundings that grace this region. The beauty of these surroundings finds its way into my art.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an artist is a journey filled with many challenges. Like many artists, I have learned to navigate tight budgets and make sacrifices to sustain my artistic pursuits. I’ve often found myself cutting back on essentials like food and entertainment to prioritize my art. The absence of traditional employment benefits such as a 401K, medical insurance, job security, and a consistent paycheck adds an extra layer of uncertainty to my life.
In addition to the financial obstacles, I have also faced various health issues throughout my artistic journey. There have been moments when I have come face-to-face with the fragility of life and death. I have endured multiple surgeries, including two brain surgeries and two eye surgeries in recent years alone. Furthermore, I have experienced the profound heartbreak of a tragic divorce after a 23-year marriage. This has forced me to rebuild my life from scratch.
Loneliness and isolation have proven to be profoundly challenging emotions, magnified by health challenges and my divorce. Over the past decade, I have had to cultivate mental resilience to navigate this difficult path. Walking the road of loneliness has been arduous, yet it has profoundly shaped me both as an artist and as an individual. It has tested my resilience, strength, and determination. I have discovered the power of introspection and self-discovery. It has allowed me to delve deep into my thoughts, emotions, and creative impulses.
Every profession comes with its fair share of challenges and being an artist is no exception. As an Artist, I have encountered obstacles and faced unique difficulties along my journey. However, I’m committed to learning how to navigate these challenges and overcome them. My deep love and passion for Art drive me forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
During my artistic journey, I have explored a multitude of mediums and found immense joy in each of them. Reflecting on my experiences, had I known then what I know now, I might have chosen to pursue sculpture in college. There is something truly captivating about walking around a model and capturing its essence in three-dimensional form.
Nonetheless, painting has always held a special place in my heart. In the past three years, I have ventured into the world of cold wax and oil, and it has completely captivated my artistic sensibilities. The unique texture and the ability to create beautiful glazes have drawn me in. The year 2020 pushed me to delve into the realm of abstraction, and I soon discovered that it presented more challenges than I had anticipated. Contrary to popular belief, abstract art is not merely about haphazardly throwing paint at a canvas; there are still rules of design, value, and composition to make a piece work. Embracing abstraction has taught me the significance of these elements, and I am constantly learning and evolving to improve upon them.
In my exploration of cold wax and oil, I have come to appreciate the process of layering paint and wax. It is not uncommon for my pieces to have 30, 40, or 50-plus layers of wax and paint. The wax lends itself perfectly to achieving rich and intriguing textures. Given my background of using a palette knife in my paintings for over three decades, the medium of cold wax and oil aligns perfectly with my artistic style. I have also been experimenting with various tools such as paint pushers, scrapers, trowels, ink rollers, cardboard, kebab sticks, forks, and more for mark-making. I find great joy in exploring different mark-making techniques within the wax, as it adds further interest and depth to my artwork. My ultimate goal is to evoke an emotional response from the viewer, and these multiple layers help me achieve that desired connection.
When it comes to teaching, I primarily utilize acrylics and brushes to introduce students to the world of art. Embracing a mixed media approach, I guide them through the fundamental elements of art, empowering them to apply their newfound knowledge to create intuitive works. The focus is on enjoyment and utilizing art as a form of therapy, whether it’s for processing trauma or capturing moments of joy. Rather than striving for museum-worthy masterpieces, we work predominantly in sketchbooks. This approach allows my students to reflect on their progress, revisit different techniques they have learned, and witness their artistic growth along the way.
Engaging in the act of teaching catalyzes new ideas to emerge within me. Likewise, when I immerse myself in the process of painting, I uncover fresh concepts that I desire to share with my students. This harmonious interplay between teaching and creating art, builds a beautiful symbiotic relationship, fostering inspiration and nurturing growth in both of my worlds.
What do you think about happiness?
The conventional definition of happiness as stated in the dictionary is “the state of being happy.” According to Dale Carnegie, happiness is not contingent on external circumstances; rather, it is determined by our mental attitude. This notion has always resonated with me, especially considering the challenges I have faced in the past decade. Throughout my journey, I have managed to persevere by cultivating a mental attitude of happiness that emanates from within. While there are undoubtedly numerous external factors that contribute to my joy and inner contentment, I firmly believe that true happiness originates internally.
The most profound source of joy in my life has been the experience of raising my daughters, who are now adults. Witnessing their pure innocence and boundless curiosity daily brought me immense happiness. We embarked on countless field trips, excursions, and outings together. Whether we were enjoying a lunch outing, indulging in a shopping spree, or exploring theme parks, we shared laughter, tears, and moments of pure joy. Twenty years of adventure filled my life with excitement. However, as my daughters eventually left the nest, I had to embark on a personal journey of growth, seeking new sources of joy and fulfillment.
Art has become a deep source of happiness for me. This was not always the case, as the process of creating art often proved to be frustrating and discouraging. There were moments when I would fling paintbrushes and discard canvases out of sheer frustration, unable to let go of my expectations. But now, when I paint, I approach it intending to savor the process. Challenges and obstacles arise, turning into opportunities for creative problem-solving. I have reached a point where I can paint in public without worrying about the opinions of others. I find immense pleasure in exploring new artistic techniques and sharing my knowledge through teaching. Interacting with my students and witnessing their growth in the realm of art brings me great joy.
I have always held a deep appreciation for meeting new people. This has significantly enhanced my travel experiences, as I love connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds. As an introvert, stepping out of my comfort zone and initiating conversations requires considerable effort. However, by doing so, I have experienced personal growth and developed the ability to engage with a wide array of people. This has brought many new friends into my life.
There are numerous ways in which I enhance my sense of joy, and often it has involved nature, urban exploration, traveling, and engaging in creative pursuits. Throughout my life, I have always held a deep appreciation for the mountains and the serene beauty of the beach. However, I have come to realize that beauty can be found even in unexpected places, such as the allure of the desert and the subtle elegance of a sagebrush’s green hue. My love for aesthetics extends beyond natural landscapes to include diverse architectural marvels. Whether it’s the intricate details of ornate buildings or the simplicity of a humble home or barn, I find pleasure in admiring the architectural beauty that surrounds me. Urban exploring has become a cherished pastime, allowing me to revel in the awe-inspiring structures, even in the familiarity of my city.
Traveling and experiencing new cultures has always been a source of wonder for me. Thanks to the internet, I can now embark on virtual journeys around the world. Although there are destinations that I may never physically visit, I am still able to derive enjoyment by immersing myself in the photos and videos shared by others. These digital experiences offer a glimpse into different cultures, enabling me to expand my horizons and appreciate the diversity of our world. These provide a picture of where I may visit someday.
Engaging in creative endeavors is another avenue through which I find solace and contentment. Whether I am painting, creating quilts, designing a garden, or playing the piano, the act of bringing something new into existence nourishes my soul. The process of creation allows me to express myself and tap into a state of peace and fulfillment.
In conclusion, while external circumstances and experiences certainly contribute to our overall joy, the true essence of happiness stems from within. This perspective has been reinforced throughout my journey. Raising my daughters, engaging in the creative process of art, and embracing opportunities to connect with new individuals have all played a vital role in my pursuit of happiness. By nurturing a positive mental attitude and embracing these sources of inner joy, I have discovered that genuine happiness radiates from within, transcending the limitations of external conditions.
Pricing:
- “Stoic Giants” $960.00
- “Gateway to Fun” $768.00
- “Aqua Glow” $960.00
- “Bridged Horizon’s” $960.00
Contact Info:
- Website: Susankmossart.com
- Instagram: @susankmossart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanKMossArt/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susankmoss/
Image Credits
Susan K. Moss
