Finding Common Ground + Events + A Big Change

Hello You!

I'm delighted to continue my series, Finding Common Ground where I'm sharing my paintings and writing with passages from art books.

I’ve been sitting with the words of the late artist and teacher Leigh Hyams. In her 2008 book, How Painting Holds Me on the Earth, she describes the creative impulse not as something we build from scratch, but as something already alive inside us:

"The place where art comes from already exists in my body, waiting to be tapped by a sound, a touch, a memory or an idea, as readily as a visual jolt - so the act of painting is like turning on a waterfall."

Orange Blossom, acrylic on canvas, 24"x 30" SOLD

... and from my journal last year:

I am creating art as a way to forget and a way to remember. A way to heal the past and a way to move into the future. When I create I'm ok with who I am. When I create I lose track of time and the external pushes and pulls that can haunt me. When I create, I can just be happy with me as I am, you know?  I lose the whole 'pleasing others' thing and make what feels good to me.

It's a hard road sometimes as I accept my flaws and peculiarities but in turn, I’ve also been able to accept that I'm kind, compassionate and committed. My reward is in the art I make. When it’s truly just me creating it, I get the best rush of joy and appreciation from within.

Dancing With Uncertainty, acrylic on canvas, 24"x 30"

Of course, staying present in the flow without overthinking it is the inevitable next step. A mix of vulnerability and courage are part of my creative process and how I stay in the flow.

Still Rising, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 36"

Thank you so much to my wonderful collectors for seeing me in the mix (midst, mist). I appreciate your support and encouragement as I continue to grow as an artist.

Bringing Her Message of Love to You, 2025, SOLD

Untitled, 2022, SOLD

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Coming up next weekend...

I'm excited and delighted to be participating in ArtWalk Carlsbad this year! This will be my first time showing at this venue September 19 & 20. Overlooking the flower fields, ocean view, open air (and I hear the temperatures will be cooler).

I'll be in booth G5 with new pieces, a small selection of smalls (!) and good vibes. I hope to see you there and look forward to meeting new collectors!

Watch my Instagram @susie_zol for sneak peeks at some of the pieces I'm bringing. Fresh, summer colors, a few figures and plenty of abstract energy.

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And now for the Big Change...

I won't be renewing the lease for my art studio at Liberty Station. It's been a magical, exciting ride the past few years and I've enjoyed my space, my neighbors and the outdoor environment. I've done collaborations, held parties, attended critiques and met new friends all at Barracks 16 in the Arts District. Yes, it's been great AND everything changes...all the time!

The physical doors are closing but my studio is always open... online!

While I am leaving studio 213 at the end of the month, the art doesn't stop here. I'll be painting from a private studio and continuing to share my work online, enter gallery shows and participate in ArtWalk and other outdoor art festivals. I'll also continue writing and sharing my process with you here in my blog. If you know of someone who'd love to hear about me and my work, please forward this email to them and encourage them to sign up!

It has always been with grace and gratitude that I allow and accept my life. Many things will stay the same for you, in fact you might not even notice unless you walk up the stairs at Barracks 16 looking for me! Many new things will come for me and I'm excited to take this next step.

With much gratitude,

Susie