In this first issue of my newsletter, I will be sharing my visual art and a description and the date of a workshop that I will facilitate using my own approach to therapeutic recreation. Art has had a profound influence on my life, and it is a vital part of my wellbeing.

"My experience work with Susan was extremely positive and something I continue to draw upon in difficult personal or professional times."
(Lisa Rankin, Human Rghts Activist)

 

 

Two weeks ago, after a physiotherapy treatment, I was in a lot of pain. My first inclination is usually to listen to music and doodle in my journal. But this large 30x30inch blank canvas was staring at me. I turned Radio 2 CBC up really loudly, and gave myself full permission to paint whatever wanted/ needed to emerge. I forgot about the piercing pain. I absolutely love this painting. I sprinkled sparkles all over the paint to represent the sparks of pain I was experiencing. The name came to me after I thought about where pain can take us, if we allow creative thought and action, instead of sinking deeper into the pain.

"Roads to Everywhere"
Acrylic
30x30in with 1.5 wraparound frame.
$1,575

I started this painting late at night at my kitchen table, after images from a bad dream kept me awake. Who knows why a memory comes when it does?

I recalled walking in the woods the first spring after a forest fire in Merigomish in 1967 or 1968. I was surprised and relieved to see so much new growth covering the gray mass. Burned trees were standing like charred matchsticks on a colourful birthday cake. I have never given that image much thought until I started this painting.

"After the fire"

Acrylic 10x30 canvas

$425