Susan Russell's work lives on. Though Susan passed from this world last December, her spirit still resides in her work. To be able to visit with her through the exhibit put on by her caring friends in the local "Museum" at Kent Corners was an honor. This building was a General Store and stage coach venue many years ago and has such charm that it could cradle the work well. The colors within the structure and its rustic character shared esthetics with Susan. Though the show is no longer available for visiting, here is a bit of a viewing through my camera's eye.
The grand flower bouquets were arranged by a community member. Much left unfinished, this fireplace has been rebuilt. I am fond of Susan's red dots.
This painting is so framed out by the fireplace. The golden doorway glows. Welcoming.
The lathe walls, beautiful in their mark on time past and the suns light and shadow all speak to the ambience.
"The paintings found their own places." says one of the women who hung this show. If I was a true reporter, I would have carried a notebook and jotted down names. Alas, I was a viewer overcome with my viewing and feelings. However, through my camera and this blog, I can give a bit more to this display.
Spiritual quality in these...speaking bigger than their small size.
Susan loved textile work also. She sewed so many buttons, made so many stitches. Artisans Hand was happy to carry her pouches and I am happy to own 2 of these magnificent and useful items. When she bought in her first items to ask what I thought of them, they were stuffed pillows on neck cords. I had to honestly tell her that if she would make them into pouches so the wearer could full them, I thought they would be a better item. We discussed how to line them and next jury, Susan submitted her bags. My photo of the pouch display was poor, but this button painting, 9x9, shows her skill. It also discovered the right place to hold form in this exhibit.
Thank you for the flowers! Thank you for putting on this exhibit! Thank you for inviting me to experience it! Susan, thank you for your work! It does live on.
We finished our experience with a visit to Mirror Lake, feeling blessed.
7 comments:
Great photo tribute to a friend and artist.I especially like the three small gold one.
I see a quote from Hans Hoffman in your sidebar...a favorite painter of mine.
Thank you, Maggie. I am so sorry I missed this show. I have several of Susan's works that span much of her career, even way back to her time in the Appalachians.
I wish she'd had time for so much more, especially as she seemed to have come fully into her own over the past five years.
Thank you for doing this, Maggie.
Thank you Mary Ann...I thought you might enjoy the 3 gold ones. Yes, and Hans Hoffman!
Susan and Janet...I am glad for your visits and your comments. Please pass the word along, as Susan's work still wants to be seen. There will be a showing at SPA within this next year and after her family has chosen paintings and favorites, the work will be for sale.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Susan Russell's work, especially the button piece. Thanks Maggie.
Robyn, so glad you made your way here to enjoy Susan's work. It really hung well in this setting. She would have liked your work also.
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