Three Dimensions Opens in Berlin

Susan’s latest solo exhibition opens at Galerie Noack - 15. September, 2021.

Susan welcomed guests to the opening of her exhibition, the debut of her latest series, Evolution of Nature.

Good evening,

Thank you all so much for joining us here tonight. It has been a long time coming and we are so blessed to all be here tonight.

There are many firsts this evening —

My first show in the spectacular city of Berlin… a long time dream.

My first time collaborating with the amazing curator Silke Hohmann.

And my first opportunity to publicly exhibit the new work I created during the COVID quarantine.

I want to express my deep gratitude to Jurgen Grossman for his original visit to my Martha’s Vineyard studio that led to a multitude of international exhibitions including tonight.

Thank you to the talented team at the Art and Culture Foundation of Bonn, Rene Freund and Dieter Ronte.

Thank you to the Noack Gallery for this beautiful venue.

And thanks to Walter - your belief in my work has always inspired me to keep exploring. When I am in my studio asking myself what creative depths are still there, you are there with me in spirit pushing me ever forward. Every artist should be so fortunate to have someone advocate for them so fiercely.

And finally to my longtime friends here to support me tonight and to my family with me - Jim, my daughter Karin, my sister Sandy, my brother-in-law Rick, and daughter-in-law Esmeralda - and my team Robin, Aimee and Heather. There is no greater sense of joy and fulfillment than being able to share tonight with each of you.

I have always been interested in the alchemy that exists between nature and art. Throughout the COVID crisis, my past experiences recovering from life threatening illness once again rose to the forefront of my mind. As a survivor of two life threatening environmental diseases - Lyme disease and mercury poisoning - my faith strengthened as I came to realize what I needed to do to strengthen my body.

With COVID, the importance of a strong immune system is critical. As I was working to build my own immune system, the thought came to me that I should include these elements in my paintings so the world could reflect on the importance of our natural food.

Herbs, wheatgrass, turmeric, sage, beans, garlic, lemongrass, rose hips, thyme, rosemary, beans, lentils, lemons, limes, artichokes, potatoes, radishes, apples, oranges, grapefruit, even melons, are some of the mix in my daily routine and now part of this exhibition.

Our immunity and our health depend upon what we are feeding our bodies. We both thrive and heal from nature’s abundance. That internal dialogue about what we ingest to stay healthy is what led me to bring nature to the canvas. The elements that go into these paintings create the beauty and are the same elements that allow us to blossom.

My hope is that my Evolution of Nature series will bring a constant reminder of the importance of what God has created and that we call nature.

Many people ask me when I know my work is finished. In some ways it is not truly finished until I can share it. It is very special to have you as the first public audience to see it.

May we all continue to be safe and blessed with good health.

Thank you.