Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Susannah Foos. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Susannah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
The realization that I wanted to pursue art professionally came during one of the most challenging seasons of my life. In October 2023, I was unexpectedly laid off from my advertising job, and I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew about my purpose. It was a time of soul-searching, as I navigated feelings of uncertainty and loss. But in that quiet space, something profound emerged—a return to a passion that had been part of me since childhood: art.
Painting became my sanctuary, a way to connect with myself in an authentic, uninhibited way. I felt deeply in tune with my spirit and even closer to my late grandmother, Adele Cooke, a botanical watercolor artist in Philadelphia. Though she is no longer here, her creativity and resilience have always been a guiding light for me. Her art lives on, and in those quiet moments at the canvas, I felt her presence, as if she were reminding me that I could carry our family’s creative legacy forward.
Over the following weeks, art became more than just an outlet—it was a rebirth of my purpose. The joy and freedom I felt reminded me of my childhood, attending art camps, exploring different mediums, and visiting art museums with my mother, who nurtured my love of art history. I remember standing before Michelangelo’s David as a young child, mesmerized by its grandeur, and falling in love with the light-filled works of French Impressionists like Monet and Cézanne. These experiences taught me the power of art to transcend time and connect us all in our shared humanity.
Today, I am driven by a simple but profound mission: to create art that inspires others to explore their creativity and see the beauty in the world around them. My family’s artistic influence continues to inspire me—my mother, aunt, and cousins each express their creativity in unique ways, each contributing their own beauty to the world. Knowing that I am part of this legacy fills me with purpose and gratitude.
Building a business around my art has its challenges, especially balancing creativity with structure, but I am motivated by the knowledge that I am exactly where I am meant to be. Art is more than a profession—it is my way of adding light to the world, of creating something that, like my grandmother’s art, might live on to inspire others long after I’m gone.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those who may not know me, I’m an artist who finds freedom and inspiration in the unpredictable nature of color and abstract form. I’ve always been drawn to creating without strict plans, allowing each piece to take shape organically. My style, which I often call ‘acrylic abstract,’ is vibrant, colorful, and reflective of whatever I’m experiencing in the moment. French Impressionism is a huge influence for me—like those artists, I love how stepping back from a piece reveals a whole new perspective.
I made the leap into art as a profession because I wanted to live a life driven by passion, even if it felt risky. Today, I paint everything I can get my hands on, from canvases to murals to custom pieces like DJ speakers. One of my favorite types of work is collaborating with clients on murals for their homes, sometimes even involving them in the painting process. It’s amazing to see people experience their own creativity and realize that even ‘mistakes’ can lead to something beautiful.
My artwork tells stories and reflects emotions, like my largest piece, An Odyssey in Acrylics, which I painted as I navigated a period of deep change and growth. Looking back, I realized that it captured the journey from feeling lost after a layoff to finding a new sense of purpose through art. My motto is, ‘If it can be painted, I will paint it.’ My goal is to create art that connects and inspires, inviting people to look beyond their daily routines and find joy and color in life.
One of my proudest moments was hosting my own gallery show in my old apartment. I had just moved out, and instead of leaving it empty, I transformed it into a gallery space for three days. It was an unconventional setting, but it felt right—raw and unexpected, much like my art. Seeing people engage with my work and even purchasing pieces was such an incredible feeling.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on formalizing my art business, expanding my online presence, and sharing more of my process through platforms like TikTok and Instagram. I’m also working on a special watercolor sketchbook as a wedding gift for friends, inspired by the beautiful villa where they married in Italy. Ultimately, I want people to feel inspired when they see my work—to feel that moment of connection, whether they experience it briefly or it stays with them. Art, to me, is a gift and a surprise, and I hope to share that sense of wonder with others.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is driven by a mission to help people connect with their highest potential and self-love. I hope that through my art, people feel inspired to reflect on their lives, awaken to new possibilities, and feel more in tune with themselves. My goal is to leave a legacy that’s both hopeful and creative—a reminder that it’s okay to find your purpose later in life, no matter where you are on your path. I want future generations to understand who I am and how I view the world through the work I leave behind.
A big dream of mine is to live off my art. I know it’s ambitious, but I believe in breaking it down step by step, pacing myself, and enjoying the process. Art, to me, is so much more than a profession; it’s a way to heal, to connect, to express, and to give back to the universe. It brings me back to who I am at my core—a creative being.
Starting my career in advertising has been invaluable for understanding how to manage and promote my business. I have a foundation in the business side that many artists may not prioritize, and it helps me balance both worlds. While creating is always my main focus, I’m disciplined enough from my past work to approach my art business with a structured mindset. I feel grateful to be pursuing this dream and to share my art as a way to connect and inspire others.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A habit I’ve had to unlearn is the need to rush things and expect instant results. I’ve always felt this drive to get things done quickly, as if success were something that could just happen overnight. But the truth is, success is a process, a journey that builds upon small steps and requires patience. I realized that if you try to achieve things too quickly, you risk creating a shaky foundation, and everything can fall apart. Art has been my biggest teacher here—it reminds me to slow down, to savor the process, and to be present in each moment.
Another big lesson was unlearning the belief that I wasn’t ‘really’ an artist just because I hadn’t sold anything or hadn’t been recognized yet. For a while, that thought held me back. But now, I remind myself every day, ‘I am enough, I am an artist.’ These mantras ground me because I know that even if everything else were taken away, my art and my creativity are fundamental parts of who I am. Believing in myself has brought so much positivity and confidence to my life, and now I create from a place of joy rather than external validation.
To other creatives or entrepreneurs, I’d say: if you don’t know where to start, look inward. Sometimes, the biggest obstacle is our own self-doubt. Create something that resonates with you alone—use your art as a way to heal and discover who you are. Once you do that, you’ll find the path forward becomes much clearer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MysticalCharmcraft?ref=seller-platform-mcnav§ion_id=47177126
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foo_artz/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susannahfoos/
- Other: Instagrams
@zuzoof
@foo_artzTikTok
@zuzoof
Image Credits
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