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

Suz , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Funny enough, the first time I didn’t want to pursue a creative path professionally was probably around my junior year of college when I decided to change my major. Until then, my life had been a clear trajectory towards an art career. As my mom jokes, I traded trying to eat crayons for drawing with them at a very early age. College started with the intention of solidifying my creative pursuits, but life presented other priorities. The following years were dedicated to “adulting,” and while I still created, the frequency dwindled.
However, there was always a persistent sense of something missing, gnawing at me. It wasn’t a sudden epiphany, but a slow realization that the career I’d built, while meaningful, didn’t resonate with my soul. The moment I truly knew I had to pursue a creative path professionally wasn’t the beginning, but the return to picking up a brush again after many years. I made this decision over 15 years ago, and it has brought a profound sense of rightness within me.

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

For those who are just discovering my work, I’m a contemporary painter and illustrator inspired by the rugged beauty of the American West, a place that has shaped me since my childhood. I was born in Texas but raised in the Rocky Mountains. Those experiences have instilled in me a deep connection to the landscapes, the diverse wildlife, and the rich history of this region. My background in Anthropology and Wildlife Conservation also informs my work.

While I primarily work in oils and acrylics, I also dabble in other media such as watercolor, gouache, pastel, fiber, and wood.

I’ve developed a style I like to call ‘contemporary Western with a twist.’ It’s a blend of familiar imagery of the West with elements of folk-art traditions intertwined with abstract forms and subtle touches of surrealism, all working together to create visual narratives that hopefully offer a fresh perspective.

Since 2010, I’ve managed my own art business. It has been an incredible journey, not just creatively but also in building genuine connections with collectors and clients. I’ve learned so much about the art world, and the opportunities and challenges presented in pursuing a career in art.

I’m incredibly grateful for the national recognition my work has received so far through exhibitions, awards, and accolades.

I’m a proud and active member of the Women’s Caucus for Art (both nationally and in Colorado) and Cowgirl Artists of America. Additionally, I’ve recently joined Gallery NW in Seattle, WA, as a featured artist.

What I’m most proud of is the way my art seems to resonate with people, sparking a connection to the stories and spirit of the West. Ultimately, I want potential clients, followers, and fellow art enthusiasts to know that my work is more than just pretty pictures. It’s a an exploration of a place I deeply cherish, infused with my perspective and a lifelong passion for both art and the natural world. I want my work to invite viewers to contemplate their own relationships with the land and its inhabitants.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the privilege of creating for a living. It is one of the most challenging yet incredibly fulfilling careers I’ve ever held. There are days when it feels daunting, even terrifying, but the opportunity to make art each day is something I wouldn’t trade for anything.

I love the continuous journey of learning and growth that being an artist offers. I am immensely grateful for the chance to constantly acquire new skills, explore different mediums, and connect and collaborate with fellow creatives. As the saying goes, ‘Earth without art is just “eh,”‘ and I couldn’t agree more.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Like many artists, I’ve dedicated years to developing my own distinct style, find my artistic voice, and trying to avoid being derivative.

I feel a shift in my work over the past couple of years, and I’m now moving in a direction that instills a sense of confidence in my artwork.

Ultimately, my goal is to establish myself as a successful and recognized artist whose work resonates meaningfully with viewers. Success, for me, isn’t just about accolades or sales; it’s about creating art that evokes emotion, sparks thought, and offers a fresh perspective on the landscapes and wildlife of the American West that inspire me so deeply.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.suzmatthewsart.com
• Instagram: @suzmatthewsart