susanscoggins

In an attempt to capture lost memories in the midst of my husband's journey through Alzheimer's disease, a spark was ignited with a renewed vision for all that is good. Creativity unleashed itself as I began to experiment with colors and shapes to recreate images I'd see while watching life go on around me. Painting became a daily dose of "feel good" as the buttery oil flowed across the canvas and melted together. Before I knew it, I was reenacting experiences on canvas, such as my youngest daughter on her wedding day. Thus a passion that had laid dormant for years, was born. Once I entered my first show, I was hooked. The positive responses and encouraging smiles from supporters have done nothing but push me forward to become a new me. Primarily self-taught, I was heavily influenced by my uncle, Dr. Sam Gore, a well loved Mississippi painter and sculptor. When I was young, I would watch as his chiseled hands would mold eyes and cheekbones bringing life to his lump of clay. His words to me, "You're a painter." stayed tucked in the recesses of my mind. Now, painting every day, I've come to love color and spontaneity. Color breaks me free of the mundane. It brings energy and life and light. It can bring harmony. After I turn on my music, I begin with layers of transparency for a background, then paint a loose sketch in red either from life, an image, or straight out of my head. Once, I place lights and darks the colors seem to play off each other to form a real painting. I end with bright and bold stokes that add the life. Making art has brought me inner joy and a grateful spirit. Bringing that joy to others, even if only for a moment, is the icing on the cake. I invite you to view my website, www.suescoggins.com and look forward to hearing from you.