Meet Susie Barrett | Abstract Painter & Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susie Barrett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susie, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
I believe for an artist success must be defined in both traditional and non-traditional ways. I think many artists and non-artists alike would define success traditionally as selling enough art to have the freedom to be a full-time artist. This would include having the ability to support oneself and his or her family solely from creative endeavors. Financial success no doubt contributes to an artist’s self-validation. It feels good to know what one is creating resonates with the public in a way that others are willing to exchange money for art. This willingness is greatly valued in our society. However, desire for financial success can also become a trap where artists find they must cater to what sells even though it may not be what they truly desire to create. They may end up in a vicious cycle of chasing the latest trend instead of listening to their own artistic voice or the trap of repetition where they do not feel safe experimenting and trying new things.

I believe in the axiom of making art for myself first because that is what I am drawn and driven to do. Being an artist is not only what I do, but it is who I am. Being an artist is being a good steward of the talents that were given to me at birth. Therefore, it has less to do with making money and more to do with experiencing moments of self-discovery. When you look at some of the greatest painters in history, many never sold any paintings during their lifetime, yet they were compelled to keep painting. They were celebrated not for the money they acquired, but for their work alone. Only after their deaths was the public inclined to collect their artworks. Likewise, as a woman, it can be argued both historically and still today, the most profitable artists are male. These factors lead me to look at the necessity to define success in additional non-traditional terms. I find success simply in the creative process itself. Starting with an idea in my mind, designing it, and then seeing it come to life on a canvas. The fact that beauty was created from imagination is a triumph. I also find success from experimentation and the process of learning and refining new techniques. It gives me great satisfaction to know that a creative career allows for growth and expression, and “mistakes” can be embraced and refined to produce new outcomes. While imitation is the best form of flattery, innovation brings joy to the process and moves our culture forward. Lastly, I find success in sharing my artwork with the public both in person and especially online through social media platforms. The fact that I can share something beautiful knowing it may brighten someone else’s day is very powerful. Knowing that people can always turn to my platforms for something positive or to lose themselves in my creativity for brief moments brings me happiness. While the process of making art has always been largely private for me, I have been told allowing these glimpses into my world helps others to forget about the stresses in theirs if only momentarily, which is a wonderful gift both to them and me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Now ten years into my art career, I have seen a lot of change and personal growth. My artistic styles have continued to evolve over time while remaining true to the origin of my journey. I continue to have two main bodies of work that correspond to my being both a right-brained and left-brained thinker. One body of work, which began as my “tropical stained glass” style has evolved into whimsical, graphic florals and foliage on canvas. This work is highly structured, conceptualized and designed prior to applying any paint to canvas. It is both lighthearted and fun and has taken on the use of more mediums including gold leaf and foil. My other main body of work continues to be truly abstract in the sense that nothing is planned and no preexisting notions about the direction of the pieces exist except perhaps a color palette and size. However, since I let the paintings dictate their own direction, even these aspects can change from time to time. This body of work has transitioned from canvas to paper and panels, allowing for the use of various tools less forgiving on canvas. It has also evolved into a love for installation series and small works, making overall accessibility to the public easier at a lower price point. I used to have concern from comments of others that I needed to pick just one lane and stay in it. Now after ten years, I’m quite comfortable with the fact that is just not how my brain works and I need the variety of both types of work.

Right now, I’m building an inventory of 8” x 10” mixed media pieces with the goal of creating 200 works before next summer. I’m about halfway there (although I wouldn’t be mad if I sold everything before then and had to start over)! The look of a large installation is truly spectacular and I’m excited to see this vision come to fruition!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Charleston, SC has become quite an interesting place to live having been named the top US tourist destination for several years running as well as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. The city truly has something to offer every visitor from historic buildings and garden plantation tours to fine dining and low country oyster roasters to multiple beaches and water sports. Some of my favorite spots are very close to home. Just outside of downtown and over our spectacular suspension bridge are the Patriots Point and Shem Creek areas. From Patriots Point, you can tour the USS Yorktown, watch a collegiate or professional soccer game, or take in a summer concert at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. The resort’s Bridge Bar also boasts the best sunset view in the city overlooking both downtown and the Ravenel Bridge. Down the road Shem Creek offers wonderful waterside dining, bar hopping and bands with a beautiful boardwalk and a chance to see working shrimp boats and frolicking dolphins. Personally, my favorite spot to eat on Shem Creek is Tavern & Table and I love being able to hop on and off a boat at any of the restaurants there. It is the epidemy of living on the water.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I think most adults can recall one teacher who impacted their life growing up and helped shape the person they are today. For me, that teacher was Mr. Don Lovell. Mr. Lovell (now retired) was truly a teacher loved by all, and I was blessed to have him as my art teacher from the 6th grade all the way through my senior year of high school. Mr. Lovell taught me countless skills and techniques fostering in me a love for art. More importantly, Mr. Lovell modeled for me and my community how to simply be a good person. He was caring, kind, and compassionate helping us through the tragic deaths of classmates and always there to celebrate our teenage victories. Now as an adult, I marvel at the patience and empathy he had for the children he taught.

I would also like to acknowledge my three children who have always been supportive of me and my art career. They have spent countless hours helping me move artwork and setting up displays. They help take care of household chores without hesitation so that I can create. They understand that my art is a passion, but also serious work, and allow me to treat it as such. They have never thought it was weird that I do not have a traditional job. They are my biggest fans and think everything I create is great (even when it isn’t)!

Website: www.susiebarrettART.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiebarrettart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susiebarrettART/