Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Susie Wilson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Susie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I fell in love with drawing the figure many years ago and taught the subject in the UK before emigrating to the US 35 years ago. My British degrees did not allow me to teach here and so after a long career as an illustrator and muralist decided that it was time to create my own venue in which to share all that I had learned as a figure artist with as many people as possible before I could no longer do it!! I especially wanted to teach those who had had little success in the subject earlier on in their lives… and so I once again became a teacher. The popularity of the classes proved that, intimidating as it is, with the right approach this is a popular and under taught subject. For many artists it becomes challenging rather than feeling beyond reach and most continue their studies with me for years. I am told over and over again that the classes are an ongoing source of fulfillment and benefit, regardless of a students focus outside of the studio and in many other areas of artistic endeavour

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

Yes! This is Susie Wilson. I am originally from the UK but decided to emigrate when I turned 40 years of age, to begin a new life with my two amazing children. We arrived in CA and quickly decided that the central coast felt the most like ‘home’ and have been here ever since.

I honestly do not remember a time when I was not knowing myself as ‘an artist’ as the realisation and quest began before I was old enough to understand it. It became a driving force in my life and to this day is how I identify myself.

I spent a lifetime studying and practicing art in many forms, some to earn a living and support my little family, some as a means of self expression and fulfilment and some simply to learn more and get better and better at seeing. One constant thread has been a passion for the human form, especially the female. I so love the beauty of women’s bodies, their strength and aesthetics and the absolute beauty of their shapes. I also paint quite a lot of portraits and these perhaps bring me the most satisfaction; there is something about creating a likeness which the subject or commissioner identifies with that is very ’simpatico’, very gratifying!!
Over time I have accepted and appreciated my gift for detail, for being able to see on such a level as to confound many people.. it may not be the way I would prefer to paint and draw as I so admire the freedom of the art I love most, but it has enabled me to master aspects of art in general and understand so much of the techniques which help me instruct others. Like so much in this artistic endeavour, it is a blessing and a curse!!!
Summing up, I feel grateful almost every day to be living life as an artist; it has been hard work to choose this path over and over again, especially in a capitalistic world, but in the end I am convinced that to live without art in your life would really be a bit like only being half alive!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Most rewarding by far has been to spend my life doing something I love. Work always felt like an adventure and most of the time truly did not feel like ‘work’! Being able to earn a living being creative and fulfilled, having fun with the people you meet and the practice of painting, drawing, learning, solving, brainstorming, discovering new techniques and disciplines… it is magic! Now at my age of 75 to be able to share all I have learned and encourage so many people to discover such deep rooted creativity and self awareness in an ongoing way.. brings me so much joy and creates a beautiful energy I cannot imagine finding in very many other ways. How grateful I continue to be for this life!!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Hmm.. there have been so many of these times it’s hard to mention just one! Coming from Europe to the US, having to find work in illustration and design after anticipating continuing a teaching career, returning to teaching after many years and in a different country… one aspect that comes up over and over again through all of this though is that when you are doing the right thing it seems life continues to bring you to the people and places you need to find and most often it is by accidental serendipity. When I needed to switch careers I met people who needed my art for wonderful projects at the San Francisco Zoo, United Airlines, National Geographic, Seagate, Babylon 5, Tsunami, Paramount.. to name a few; all by word of mouth and introduction.
When I decided to become a mural artist, I was introduced to designers who worked with CEOs of huge corporations and wonderful clients who owned magnificent homes in extraordinary places, with projects that would last for several years and build my reputation so work found me.
When I decided to teach again I met, by accident again Galleries that wanted to offer me classrooms and free promotion and support that would carry me through the pandemic and beyond.
The moral perhaps is to trust in life and work true to your heart.. and be brave!     

Contact Info:

• Website: susiewilson.net
• Instagram: susieearthdancer
• Facebook: Susie Wilson Art