SUSAN CARR

In another country, clouds are gentle, monsters are sweet

 2011, oil on canvas, 12 x 13"

What are you working on in your studio right now?

Right now I am not working on anything significant in my studio. I have been painting hard for quite some time so, right now I am thinking and looking. I feel as artists we all need to get refreshment now and again. I get that from looking at art, walking in nature and reading. I guess you could say, I am in the gestation phase of my work again, waiting for another burst of creativity.

watercolours

Can you describe your studio space and how, if at all, that affects your work?

My studio space is quite literally all around my house. I paint in my basement and draw in a spare bedroom and when doing collage work in the kitchen. This does affect my work as it tends to remain smallish in size but not in sculptural form.

studio table

Tell me about your process, where things begin, how they evolve etc

My work always begins with one mark and the piece is built up from there. I never know what the piece will be. I let the paint speak to me. I have to get out of the way! Because the work is built in paint, history is involved and memory. Memory of the last time I was working on the piece and how it felt. I write poetry so you could say, my paintings are poems without words. Poems dripping in color.

Collage, 2011, oil, pastel & paper pallets on paper, 9 x 12"

What are you having the most trouble resolving?

I would like to paint larger but I don't want to lose the intimacy of my small work. I know it is a give and take and I am willing to explore some new horizons. I guess we will just see.

Do you experiment with different materials a lot or do you prefer to work within certain parameters?

In my collage I have begun to experiment with different materials all at once but not with my paintings. I love oil paint and I feel that I am very old fashioned in that regard.

studio

What does the future hold for this work?

The future holds shows and new homes for this work.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I am grateful for your interest, thank you.

The motive, 2011, oil on wood, 11 x 10"