We were lucky to catch up with Susan Costello-Sepulveda recently and have shared our conversation below.

Susan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

I’ve been practicing my craft for quite a while now. In Spring 2021 I decided to do an art fair. My husband was humming in my ear that Art is a hobby and not a career. I didn’t care what he had to say. I needed to prove to myself that the world needed my art. The day was very successful. I sold ten paintings, even one that was $500.00. I was so excited, I felt valid as an artist, and I’ve continues to pursue what makes my spirit sing.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m the first born of four siblings and raised in Minnesota. My mother kept her children busy with sports, camping, creative activities and assisting with family meals. (let’s not forget housekeeping YUK). I enjoyed most, but gravitated towards creativity/Art. Our family enjoyed going on camping excursions to explore the great outdoors. I would sit be the lake side drawing the scenery, absorbing nature and its sweet nectar. It was comforting and quite peaceful.

In grade school I had the privilege to take part in an art exchange between adjacent schools. This allowed me to have hand on experience with other art media. Mediums involving Mosaics, clay, woodwork and paint. This inspired me and I wanted to experience more.

When I entered Junior High School, it was here I was introduced to murals. My art teacher, Hans Christian, had a vision to cover the hallway walls with color. My class time was spent painting the walls with lines, shapes and bright color. (Go figure I was allowed to paint on the walls) I took as many classes as possible in Junior and Senior High School. Entering art competitions and gallery exhibitions.

After graduating High School, my plan was to enroll in Minnesota College of Art and Design. My mother was not keen with this idea and often told me, “I’d become a starving artist.” So, without her support, I just was skating through life. It was 1990, when I decided to enroll in Brown College for their Advertising Design program. I was insecure of my drawing skills and was unsure if I could compete with the younger crowd. Needless to say, I graduated in 1993, being one of the top students graduating with an Associate Science Degree in Adverting Design (Graphic Design).

I landed a position with a Souvenir company creating calendar’s, postcards, tee shirts and decorative glassware. Working as a Graphic Designer was very rewarding. I had the opportunity to work with renown names, such Cabella’s, Camp Snoopy and creating custom designs for Minnesota outfitters. I soon began illustrating mostly wildlife and designing product I was not passionate of. So, In 1996, I took a step back from my career for two reasons. 1) my daughter was diagnosed with asthma, and I
had a need for health insurance, and 2) I no longer wanted to illustrate what others wanted of me, but what I was passionate about. So, life went on…..

Moving forward, it’s 2009, my children are grown, and I’ve met my husband. ALL, encouraging me to return to painting/ drawing. And I did and have never looked back.

I looked for inspiration from my childhood memories and the things/experiences that brought me joy. I’m looking for happy reminders that surround our communities, using an intuitive process. I dissect my happy thoughts and reconstruct them using a series of color, line and shape to create visual depth. I let the painting guild me as it weaves itself together reflecting the impression of flowers, reflections of nature and aquatic underworlds. These tranquil and angelic paintings offer a place of rest for the trouble heart and a refuge for the spirit.

May our souls find peace in a chaotic world.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I’m not a minority, I don’t look a people related to color, race, beliefs or sexual ordination. I try to embrace cultures and ask questions that teach and educate me. Sometimes I feel that are communities are more concerned about being politically correct in acceptance, that we are now excluding the “Majority.” There is a place and time for everything. Inclusion embraces ALL sectors of society. No one should feel excluded.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

My current takes on NFTs are…. the process is a huge learning curve for me. It’s not as simple a process as some may think. There’s learning new programs, obtaining a wallet and acceptance of crypto currency. Personally, I like my money green and in my hands.

Do I think there is room for NFTs? Diffidently. In this day and age of the digital world why not. When they sell, I’d make money (crypto). When the NFT resells to another owner, I’d earn a royalty. I’m just not keen on Crypto.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/view/wwwcostellosepulvedaartart/home
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/costello.sepulveda/