Finding Common Ground - Episode 2

Susie Zol
Jul 15
3 min read

Hello You!

I've decided to call this series Finding Common Ground, sharing my paintings and writing with passages from art books. I've recently re-read Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland. There is a passage that says,

The arc to any individual life is uniform over long periods of time. Subjects that draw us in will continue to draw us in. Patterns we respond to we will continue to respond to. We are compelled by forces that, like the ocean current, are so subtle and pervasive we take them utterly for granted.

I recognized this in myself. I had recently been cleaning and rearranging in my studio and had a number of paintings leaning against the wall. The paintings were staggered and the pair below caught my eye. I grabbed a quick photo, loving the colors, marks and composition. Even though these paintings were created years apart, they still held unique creative process that comes from me. Read my creative reflection below and I think you'll see what I mean.

Two paintings. One artist. Many years apart.

Many years have past since I began my dedicated art practice. I continue with a passion for the creative process that fuels me daily, no matter the medium. Sometimes it feels like only a moment has passed since I painted my first layer and yet the layers keep coming.

I don’t feel like a beginner anymore. I've developed strategies and techniques that work for me. I've branched out and come back full circle many times over. One thing I know is I'm still the same me. I'm still the artist who loves color. I'm still adding a full range of dark and light. I’m still turning my canvas as I paint and I still love both vertical and horizontal compositions. I'm still looking for reflections from within and I still love to have both the busy, almost chaotic sections...and the quiet, serene areas.

Sometimes it takes years to recognize what's been there all along, quietly revealing itself on the canvas.

Painted 5 Years Apart:

Dancing on the Edge of Time, 2018

A Fresh Sense of the Day, 2023

It feels good to relate what I'm observing to things I've read. Sometimes, it works the other way around too. I read something and think, "aha!" "I know exactly what they're talking about". As I write more in this series, Finding Common Ground, I'll connect with that as well.

Here are a few more interesting comparisons over time and medium:

That last piece with the bird soaring high on the left will be at my booth at ArtWalk Liberty Station, coming up the first weekend in August. Read on...

What's coming up on my art calendar:

ArtWalk Liberty Station

I'm excited to be getting ready for this show! I'll be at booth 512 (same as last year), in the center by the flagpole.

There is a ticketed preview party scheduled for Friday evening, July 31st from 5pm - 8pm. Send me a message if you'd like a ticket, I have a few to give away. Once they're gone, check their website for ticket purchases.

artwalklibertystation.org

The show is free to attend on

Saturday, Aug 1 from 10-6

and

Sunday, Aug 2 from 10-5

First Friday Open Studio

The next First Friday Open Studio evening at Arts District Liberty Station is August 7th.

I'll be at my studio from 3-7pm, painting and displaying many of my pieces. Many other artists in the Arts District will also be open, inviting you into their studio and sharing their art. Plan to come for the evening and enjoy the arts!

2730 Historic Decatur Rd San Diego, 92106

Studio 213 at the top of the stairs!

(elevator included)

for more info...

libertystation.com