Making art has always been Susan’s (Shester) first love. From the time she could hold a pencil she enjoyed illustrating the inner world of her imagination as well as the natural world around her. After a career in commercial Interior Design that lasted 38 years and included architectural and interior sketching for clients, she retired when she moved with her husband to Kenora, Ontario.
In the last six years the environment of the lake, the city of Kenora and the people around her have been her inspiration. She has explored her subjects- people, buildings and landscapes – using acrylic, pencil, charcoal, mixed media and watercolour. Coming into a new community is always a challenge; Susan met this head on by becoming involved in the arts in the area right away. Confidence in showing her art has continued after placing first in the Adult Visual Arts Exhibit in the Kenora District Festival of the Arts in 2017 and in 2019 selected to exhibit in a juried art show in the new Douglas Family Art Centre. Classes with other wonderful artists in the area have been instrumental in continuing to develop “mark making” skills. As well as practising her art Susan has served on the board of LOWAC and also enjoys volunteering at the Art Centre -giving tours of new exhibits and learning more about the History of Art.
Susan likes to work directly from life but when this is impossible she uses a range of photos to create a piece that is original. She has found that she is “drawn” to people and right now inspired by her grandchildren. She also loves the town and surroundings of Kenora – using watercolour or acrylic, Susan likes to “tell a story” with her paintings. This often includes scenery where people are a part of it.
You can reach Susan at Shesterartist4@gmail.com or at facebook.com/Shesterartist.
