Save the Date! Join me for ArtWalk Liberty Station, August 1, 2 & 3

Susie Zol
Jun 30
3 min read

Hello You!

We're a month away from one of my favorite summer art festivals, ArtWalk Liberty Station! I've had a booth at this show since 2015 (at least every year they've held it!) I like the park-like setting, out in the open and on the grass. There's a coastal breeze and a lot of great art. Friday evening (the 1st) is a ticketed preview pARTy with live music, food and drinks. You'll get a first look at the artwork before the weekend starts. Here’s the link if you want tickets for Friday evening: (artwalksandiego.org) Saturday and Sunday (the 2nd & 3rd) are free to attend with plenty of free parking and I'll be at my booth all three days.

The Anticipation Builds

How do I get ready for ArtWalk? Well, there are some things that never change, my tent and walls, a hanging system for the paintings and a stool for me. Oh, and plenty of water! What changes every year are the paintings I choose to bring. I can't bring them all so I start with a favorite or two and put together a showing of favorites! It's not always easy as some pieces may look great but be the wrong size. As you know, I like to create a variety of paintings so trust me when I say I'll be selecting and rearranging them as best I can! I'm excited to show you some of my best pieces!

Showcasing My Work

…art is not merely created; it is a living exchange of energy and inspiration

Over the years I have found that figures and faces emerge organically and somewhat regularly from the layers of paint on my canvas. At first glance, they may appear spontaneous and free, but I know the time and energy I've spent creating them. I also know that sometimes I felt consumed by the desire to "make them happen". It was this uncomfortable blend of passion and frustration that pushed me to understand and feel a deeper connection between what I create and where that energy comes from. I read what I could find on the source of inspiration, the magic of creative flow and the internal battles of creatives. Over time, I began to understand that there isn't much distance between the two and that I'm usually closer than I think. I also understand that I can continue on my creative path at whatever speed I desire with inspiration filling and fueling me. I've allowed a deeper connection to form between my creative process and the energy that inspires it. My creative process has shifted. Maybe shifted isn't the right word, maybe evolved is a closer description of what has happened to me. Any way I say it, It's been a rewarding time of refilling and refueling and I'm as excited as ever to create.

I'm going to share a story about a time in the early 2010s when I had an opportunity to go to ArtWalk At The Bay, which was where ArtWalk had been each August before they moved here to Liberty Station. It was at that ArtWalk that I fell in love with abstract art. The art I saw seemed to peer into me and see something and I was peering into the art, seeing something. That magical exchange was how painting abstracts began for me and it wasn’t long before I began my own journey of going back to school for art, establishing F1VEart (with my art-sisters!) and now painting on my own. It's always fun to look back and see the paths we've been on all along and how things couldn't have happened any other way!

Treasure Trove: Paintings at Reduced Prices

Have you had a chance to look through my Treasure Trove of paintings? Whether you’ve seen them in person at my studio or on my website, I think you’ll love what you find. I’ve selected some stand-out pieces and priced them well. I hope you’ll find a favorite for yourself.

I’ll be bringing a few (that fit just right) to ArtWalk Liberty Station too! Remember to mark your calendar for August 1, 2 & 3 and pick one day (or all three) to come visit me at my booth. See you then!

In gratitude,

Susie

ps: since this Friday is the 4th of July Holiday, there is no First Friday event at Liberty Station.