We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Suzanne Nicolaisen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Suzanne below.

Suzanne , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Volunteering with homeless veterans. Children’s art classes. Community creative projects, e.g. outdoor art gallery – murals in Escondido alleys, working with the community during pandemic to paint concrete K-rails on Grand Avenue, with the city ultimately receiving the Helen Putnam Award of Excellence.

Suzanne , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My creative process is influenced by my country of birth, South Africa. I spent my childhood and young adult life in this country of contrasting light and color. My logo/signature, Zanniki, is derived from the diminutive of my name (Su)zanne in my native language, Afrikaans.

Switzerland was my home for 22 years. The majestic nature and snow-capped mountains left an impression on me.

Now residing in Escondido, California for 31 years and married to a Dane, my so-called “Great Dane”. Among my favorite subjects are the legends and symbols of Native Americans.

Art is not my profession, but I am enthusiastic about being creative. Our biggest challenge as artists is to overcome the fear of failure. What do others think? Will I be able to please the audience? Never give up, is my message to emerging artists. Staying passionate makes the difference and conveying messages of hope captures attention.

My love for downtown Escondido is expressed in my “Zanniki’s Escondido” series of downtown Escondido. Whimsical scenes of our city seen through my eyes. One painting per year – number 8 is in the works.

More than 30 years of blending art with my love for everything living, being a spouse, mother and grandmother and working with Alzheimer’s patients, geriatrics, children, homeless veterans, and seniors awakens emotions which I attempt to transfer onto paper and canvas.

Life is my inspiration, and my work aims at beautifying and enriching lives to convey messages of compassion, and hope.

My paintings can be found in collections, private homes, galleries, and restaurants, and I have exhibited in South Africa, Switzerland, Austria, and the United States. There are paintings in private homes extending as far as Singapore, Germany, Great Britain, and Norway.

I have been a board member of the Escondido Art Association (EAA) since 2007. Currently in the position as the Ambassador. We are a non-profit, all volunteer organization in existence since the 1950s.

I am also a proud member of the Esco Alley Art Committee since 2021, assisting with the beautification of the “forgotten alleys” where murals adorn the walls of currently 3 blocks of business alleys in Escondido. The New York Times made mention this year of our outdoor gallery and these colorful works of art. The project is ongoing.

Also, a member of MAGEC (Museums and Art Growing Escondido Culture), another group of active members, making sure our city is alive and active in the art arena and the overall well-being of the community.

Two further associations of which I am a member are: The San Diego Water Color Society and Escondido Arts Partnership.

Performing the duties as a judge and jurying art at various art associations has been a great honor.

I have worked on a large glass and metal sculpture with renowned James Stone, glassblower, for close to 9 months. Another venue that I may pursue in future – glass fusing and metal work.

One of the accomplishments I am immensely proud of is when Escondido received the Helen Putnam Award of Excellence in 2021 for the city’s placement of concrete barriers (k-rails) on Grand Avenue during the pandemic, to mark areas for outdoor retail and dining. These barriers resembled tombstones, which needed color. A friend of mine and I started painting business windows and the k-rails and soon the city and business owners requested us to complete 90 double sided k-rails for the opening celebration post pandemic. We engaged everyone, including business owners, transient people, children, teachers, parents, guests, and we were able to complete the task on 21 November 2021 for the opening of Escondido. This was one of the most adventurous, time consuming, yet rewarding experiences of my life. Our city and community were united. There was seldom depression and sadness experienced during the pandemic like in most other cities. This adventure was called: “The Coloring Book of Hope”. There is a book on this subject in the works, which my husband and I hope to publish by the end of 2024.

Because I am learning from my fellow artists, life partner, friends, family and acquaintances, I have adopted as my title: “The Eternal Student of Life”.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

As mentioned previously, sharing my passion for people. My works have been characterized as spiritual and I see my main mission as conveying messages of compassion and hope.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The story about how we, the people of Escondido and the entire city came together during the pandemic is described in my previous summary. Please refer to the Helen Putnam Award in 2021.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.zanniki.net
• Instagram: zanniki
• Facebook: Suzanne Zanniki Nicolaisen