"I would make a pot of coffee for the long conversation I would like to have with M.C. Escher."
Susan Deaton
How does your work interact with the theme of “A Generous Kingdom V: Art that Explores Story, Symbolism, and Beyond”?
The title “A Generous Kingdom V: Art that Explores, Story, Symbolism, and Beyond” fits my art perfectly. As an artist, I am a storyteller. The images I create emerge as symbols of humanities
relationship with nature, mostly. My drawing “Universal” combines the organic form of a tree with more of a man-made geometric shape of a sphere, which is a symbol I consistently use in my drawings.
Drawing a sphere gives me the opportunity to use value and create an illusion of form on my paper, which is my artistic delight.
Does the idea of transformation influence your work and process?
I think any artist looks at the world with the ambition to change it, even if the change is only for themselves.
What draws you to the medium you chose? And tell us a little about your process.
I completed “Universal” with a ballpoint pen. Using a ballpoint pen is immediate and spontaneous and serves as an extension to the writing/poems I create.
Who inspires you? And What do you do to get inspired?
I’m inspired by nature, the books I read, the places I travel, and other artists and writers. My inspiration comes from almost anything that I see as new or see from another perspective. I suppose this is how “transformation” is important to my art as well.
If you could have coffee or tea with any artist who would you pick? What would you have coffee or tea? What would you ask that artist?
I would make a pot of coffee for the long conversation I would like to have with M.C. Escher. I would ask about the unique perspectives he represents in his work.
What do you hope your work achieves, in general, and/or specifically with this installation?
It is my hope that my drawings compel viewers to think about the deeper meanings of the symbols or story I am telling. Like any artist, I want to connect with the viewer emotionally and intellectually.
What recently made you smile?
My grandson telling me (video call) that when I come for a visit that I could sleep in the bunk beds with him. I think I would get the bottom bunk.
What recently made you cry?
Texting with my daughters about Christmas, knowing we will not be seeing each other this year.
If you could tell your viewers one thing, what would you tell them?
When doing shows, I’m told that despite the dark nature of my work, I seem pretty normal. My husband, however, may have a different opinion.