Today we’d like to introduce you to Susannah Foos.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Art has always been woven into the fabric of my life, even if it took me years to fully embrace it as a career. One of my earliest and fondest memories is attending a summer art camp as a child. I experimented with different mediums and created an abstract piece that, even now, speaks to my soul. That piece still hangs framed at my parents’ house, serving as a reminder of the beginning of my creative journey—a time when I first connected with the raw joy of creating something unique and personal.
Growing up, my family supported my interest in art but encouraged me to be multidisciplinary and well-rounded, viewing art more as a hobby than a viable career path. That mindset shaped my choices for many years. While I loved creating, I didn’t see it as something I could pursue professionally, so I focused on building a career in advertising. This gave me valuable skills and insights into business and branding, but it never truly fulfilled me.
The turning point came after I was laid off from my advertising job in October 2023. At first, it was a devastating blow. I was lost, struggling with depression, and uncertain about what to do next. In the midst of that darkness, I turned to painting as a way to process my emotions. I set a small goal for myself: spend just five minutes a day creating something in a sketchbook. That simple act became my lifeline, helping me reconnect with my creativity and slowly reigniting my passion for art.
During this time, I began working on my largest piece to date, An Odyssey in Acrylics. As I painted, I realized I was telling an abstract story of my life—from the pain and uncertainty of losing my job to the rediscovery of my purpose. It was while working on this piece that I had a profound realization: my true calling is to inspire others to embrace their creativity. Art isn’t just something I do; it’s who I am. It’s my healing, my expression, and my way of giving back to the universe.
My creative process is deeply intuitive. I start by slapping paint onto the canvas and letting it guide me. I try to avoid using black because I want my work to radiate color and vibrancy, showing that even amidst life’s challenges, beauty and light can shine through. Color speaks to me because it’s bold, loud, and full of life—qualities I resonate with personally. My work is often described as acrylic abstract, but I like to experiment with different styles and mediums. I don’t believe in confining myself to one label because art, like life, is fluid and ever-changing.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been seeing how my art inspires others. Two of my friends, after seeing my work, started showcasing their own art online and creating more regularly. Knowing that my work has sparked creativity in others fills me with joy. Art has been healing for me, and I hope it can be the same for others.
Another highlight of my journey was hosting my own gallery show in my old apartment. With four days left before my lease ended, I transformed the space into a unique gallery and invited friends, family, and the public to view my work. The show was a success—I sold several pieces and was thrilled to see people genuinely engaging with my art. It was an avant-garde experience that reinforced my belief in following my instincts and creating opportunities for myself.
Looking ahead, my dream is to live off my art. I know it’s a big goal, but I believe that by breaking it down step by step and staying patient, I can achieve it. I’ve learned to embrace the process and take my time, knowing that a strong foundation is key to lasting success. I’m actively working on formalizing my business, growing my online presence, and participating in the Philadelphia art community. One day, I hope to have my work featured in a major show at the Philadelphia Museum of Art or a similarly prestigious venue.
Ultimately, my mission is to leave a legacy of hope and creativity. I want people to see my art and feel inspired to explore their own creative potential. I want future generations to look at my work and understand who I was and how I saw the world. Whether my art touches someone for a moment or leaves a lasting impact, what matters most to me is that it sparks something positive. Like the French Impressionists I admire, I hope my work becomes clearer with distance, inviting viewers to step back and see the bigger picture.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has been anything but smooth, but the challenges have shaped who I am today. Growing up, I always loved art, but it was seen as more of a hobby in my household. I vividly remember being drawn to graphic design at a vocational tech school showing, but my mother, a doctor, encouraged me to pursue something more stable. That shaped my early belief that art wasn’t a viable career, and I followed a “safe” path into advertising.
Ironically, the stability I sought didn’t last. When I was unexpectedly laid off, I found myself grappling with an identity crisis—I didn’t know who I was outside of my 9-5. That loss forced me to question what I truly wanted from life, and I turned to art as a way to process my emotions. It started with a simple goal: sketching for five minutes a day. Over time, that small habit rekindled my passion and opened the door to creating larger pieces, like my most personal work, An Odyssey in Acrylics.
Starting over was daunting, and the first step felt the hardest. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the big picture, but I’ve learned to focus on the present and trust the process. I’ve also realized the importance of balancing creativity with practicality. Returning to a full-time advertising job has given me the stability to pursue art more intentionally, without rushing.
Another challenge has been navigating creative blocks. When I feel stuck, I embrace playfulness—throwing paint, experimenting without judgment, and rediscovering the joy in the act of creating. That mindset helps me move forward when doubt or perfectionism threatens to hold me back.
Today, the biggest hurdle is visibility. Social media is a powerful tool but also an overwhelming one. It’s a learning curve, and I’ve realized it’s okay to ask for help. Delegating some of that work to professionals allows me to focus on what I love most—creating.
Ultimately, the struggles have taught me resilience and clarity. Losing my job led me to rediscover myself as an artist, and art has become my way of staying grounded and connected. Whether through vibrant colors or spontaneous techniques, I aim to inspire others to find joy and creativity in their own lives.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My art is rooted in colorful, abstract modern Impressionism, though I love exploring different styles. Abstract art feels like home to me—it allows me to create freely and intuitively, channeling emotions directly onto the canvas. My goal with every piece is to evoke inspiration and awe, celebrating life as a gift and an opportunity for connection. Through my work, I hope to bring joy, love, light, and peace into the world, reminding people of the beauty that still exists.
Color is at the core of everything I create. I see it as my way of pushing back against the darkness in the world. Whether I’m throwing paint on a canvas or meticulously layering a watercolor, color is how I express emotion and tell stories. Recently, I’ve been diving into watercolor, which has taught me how to approach painting with more structure and intention. That said, I often find myself missing the spontaneous energy of abstract acrylics—sometimes I just need to throw paint like a toddler and embrace the chaos of creating.
While I primarily work in acrylic on canvas, I love to explore new mediums and push my creative boundaries. I’ve painted a commissioned mural for a residence above Philadelphia’s Underground Arts theater, where I invited the clients to participate in the process, turning it into a collaborative experience. I’ve also painted custom DJ speakers, dabbled in digital art, and even worked on crafts. My approach is simple: if it can be painted, I’ll paint it.
One project I’m especially excited about is a commissioned Italian watercolor sketchbook I’m creating as a wedding gift for two friends who recently got married in Siena, Italy. During their wedding weekend, I spent time painting the beautiful scenery, capturing memories of the villa and surrounding landscapes. One of the grooms saw me working and asked for a commission of the villa itself—but I had to tell him it was already part of their wedding gift! It’s been such a rewarding project, blending travel, memory, and creativity into one meaningful piece.
One of my proudest works is Family Moment, a painting I created for my cousin Massimo Boni, who owns Vita, an Italian restaurant in Philadelphia. The piece is based on an old family photo of Massimo, his sister, and their late mother. Capturing the love and legacy of their family in that piece was deeply personal, and seeing it displayed in his restaurant brings me so much pride.
A major milestone in my career was hosting my solo art show in September 2024. I transformed my empty apartment into a gallery, showcasing 60 canvas paintings over the course of four days. The show was a success, but the most memorable moment came when a stranger connected deeply with one of my pieces. They told me how much it moved them before purchasing it on the spot. That interaction affirmed why I create—to connect with people on an emotional level and remind them that art has the power to move us in unexpected ways.
What sets me apart as an artist is my belief that art can exist anywhere and on anything. I see every surface as a potential canvas and every moment as an opportunity to create. I’m always drawn to the mystical and mythological aspects of the world, and my work often carries a sense of wonder and mystery, whether it’s vibrant and exciting or soft and subtle.
At the heart of my art is my grandmother’s influence. She was a botanical watercolor artist, and her creativity sparked something in me at a young age. I carry her spirit with me every time I pick up a brush, and I hope to inspire others in the same way she inspired me. Whether it’s encouraging someone to try something new or helping them see the world differently, I want my work to ignite creativity in others and show them that art is everywhere if we’re willing to look for it.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The pandemic profoundly impacted my life, shifting my priorities and perspective in unexpected ways. I moved to Colorado and lived with my parents for almost two years, a time of self-reflection and growth. My main focus during that period was to regain independence and provide for myself. But amidst the uncertainty, I found myself exploring spirituality, looking at the world through a broader lens, and even briefly considering becoming a pastor. That turned out to be a passing thought—painting, not preaching, is my true calling.
I was fortunate to have my parents’ support during that time, something I deeply appreciate knowing not everyone had that safety net. The pandemic pushed me to try a variety of things: I worked as a receptionist, server, and even a donut maker before landing a corporate job. It was also when I started painting more regularly—initially as a way to pass the time. In fact, all of my fluid art pieces were created during the height of COVID in 2020.
The pandemic strengthened my family relationships; we spent a lot of time together, bonding over countless movie nights. But it was also challenging in many ways. As a social butterfly, I thrive on connecting with people, so the isolation and limitations on gatherings were tough. Oddly enough, the grocery store became one of my favorite places—a small pocket of normalcy and connection in a socially distanced world.
Looking back, I think the pandemic was trying to wake me up to what I truly wanted out of life. It planted seeds of self-discovery, but I was still too influenced by what others expected of me. My real wake-up call wouldn’t come until later, but the pandemic gave me the time and space to start looking inward. It was the beginning of my journey toward becoming the artist I am today.
Pricing:
- Pricing depends on each piece
- Commission pricing is negotiable
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MysticalCharmcraft
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foo_artz/
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/zuzoof/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@zuzoof
Image Credits
Art Battle Photos – Wade Kirkpaatrick – @BlackFyre Photos
Odyssey in Acrylic Photo – Eve Haklay – @coooleve