SusanClarkeOriginals's Profile

Bio

I began my art career at the early age of 2 when I decided to paint the toilet, much to the chagrin of my parents. From that moment on, art became my passion. From grade school through high school, art was the center of my focus. As an art major at Chico State college, I began to define my personal style, but at the urging of my college professors, I took a job with American Greeting Cards, where I worked as an artist. Although enjoying the work, I disliked the weather in Cleveland, so I eventually returned to Northern California.

I started my own business in 1977 and began designing and manufacturing items such as ornaments, jewelry, refrigerator magnets, jewelry, and hand painted buttons and embellishments.
Companies I sold to included Disneyworld and Mervyn’s. I also designed for companies such as Enesco, and Crazy Shirts. Actual paintings became a secondary priority during this time.

Then in 1999, I discovered some new mediums and other specialty compounds, which were so totally different than anything else, I became re-inspired. While experimenting with these “cutting edge” materials, I became fascinated with the explosions of color that occurred. After years of developing and refining new techniques to work with these materials, I’ve created paintings that look very much like art glass. Each painting has many layers of colors, textures, and special effects, that give a 3 dimensional look. The passionate color interaction that occurs with these materials, mesmerizes me each time I create a new painting.

I still continue with my business - http://www.susanclarkeoriginals.com. I love living in Redding, CA on 2 acres in a forest with my husband, Randy. I have one daughter and a step-son, and have been blessed with four brilliant grandchildren.

Female, Born on November 17

Favorite Materials