We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sue Klahne a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sue thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of my most meaningful projects was working on a mural project with a couple fellow creatives for a local crisis hospital called New Horizons of the Treasure Coast.

Mental health & addiction awareness are causes very close to my heart. I often use my art as a platform to raise awareness & funds for charities associated with mental health & addiction as well as donating my time and talents.

I’ve personally had loved ones suffer with severe mental health afflictions as well as losing someone very close to me to the disease of addiction. There’s so much shame associated with mental health & I aim to educate others in order to help break the stigma, be a voice for those who cannot advocate for themselves & to encourage others to nurture their own creativity, which I believe lies within each of us. I believe creativity is a gift which can provide a healthy outlet for those who struggle in this crazy world.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been an artist for as long as I can remember. I believe that creativity is a God given gift. I went to college and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts with a major in graphic design. After working as an Art Director for an Advertising Agency right out of school, I took some time off to raise my children. I did some freelance work here & there while raising my kids, but my family was my priority for many years.

Fast forward a few decades & now retired from the graphic design field & done raising my kids ,( Is that job every really over?) I am back to painting full time as a professional artist. Although trained in a variety of mediums, I work primarily in acrylic & resin. I’m inspired by nature, especially the colors of the sea. The many shades of blue associated with the ocean can be seen throughout my body of work. I enjoy capturing aerial views of the ocean with my acrylic & resin art as well as painting sea life. Although my fine art career is so much different than my graphic design career, I can see elements of design in my fine art. I am drawn to clean, striking compositions & enjoy the use of bold colors. Much of my work has a contemporary flair.

I belong to a local art organization called The Martin Artisans Guild. I’m a board member & curator of our gallery’s artisans boutique. I consider it a privilege & honor to serve & be a part of such a highly talented group of artists.

As far as what sets me apart from others. That’s a tough one. I really don’t consider myself better than anyone else. I really am my own worst critic. There’s not a lot of fluff or BS when it comes to my art . I’m fiercely loyal to my friends & those I love. I’m not afraid to speak up for what I believe in. .

Ultimately, my art is an integral part of my own personal wellness. It calms my busy mind & feeds my soul like no other activity. It is my desire that the viewer of my art feel the same sense of serenity that the creative process affords me.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being a creative can be hard some days but oh the rewards are so worth it. Having someone connect with your art and ultimately purchasing it for their home or business is the BEST feeling ever! I hope & pray the day never comes where that feeling of JOY gets old.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Life can be HARD! Although my journey, trials & hardships may not be as difficult as some, my art has helped me through some difficult times in my life. Sharing my creativity with others who struggle, is a privilege & a blessing. The two most important days in your life are the day you were born & day you realize why. I believe my hardships have lead me to the path I’m on and have molded me into the person I was created to be.

Contact Info:

• Website: Sueklahnecustomartwork.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sueklahnecustomartwork/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sue-Klahne-Custom-Artwork-136668100487205/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC6XoH2MJuR9VXD1UkrluvQw

Image Credits
Ray Klahne