Susan Perrish
United States
SUSAN PERRISH, PSA, AWA
“Art is standing with one hand extended into the universe and one hand extended into the world, and letting ourselves be a conduit for passing energy.” - Albert Einstein
I grew up surrounded by music and art. My mother was a talented watercolor artist, and my father was a gifted woodworker. I was nurtured by classical music, curiosity and creativity. Throughout childhood I would often be found at the piano, or listening to the great composers. I’d sit inches away from the stereo speakers mesmerized by the concertos of Chopin and Rachmaninoff, imagining my hands flying over the keyboard accompanied by the great orchestras. I was taught to believe in myself and to reach for the stars.
In 1982 I married Robert Perrish, an accomplished and talented artist, and we settled in Livonia, Michigan, where we raised our two children, Kimberly and Stephen.
Over the years I longed for an artistic outlet but the business of life would get in the way, leaving its pursuit a “someday” thing. I had closed the door on the creativity which gave me so much joy growing up. Then, on a quiet weekend in the summer of 2013 I picked up a pencil and started to draw. First an eye, then a nose, another eye, a mouth. The passion was immediate. I had found what I was searching for.
I believe there is an intrinsic beauty in every human soul, and that our eyes, in expressing that, tell a unique and individual story. As I work on a portrait, I search for that story and try to capture it on the easel. I’ve found jewels in every painting, every drawing I’ve done. Whether a success or “learning experience,” each piece teaches me something. There is never a wasted moment. It is all joy.
* This statement has been provided directly by the artist in association to their 15th International ARC Salon entries. This content has not been edited for typos or grammatical errors and has not been vetted for accuracy.
