An Artist-Led Collective
Susan Walker
Painter
Bio: Susan is an oil painter who studied with mentor Wayne Thiebaud at the University of California, Davis. Although she graduated with a BFA in Studio Art, her career first took her into education for 22 years, including as principal of Cougar Ridge Elementary School, until 2008 when she pivoted back to her original calling. She completed a two-year residency program at the University of Washington in Drawing & Painting and her artwork is in corporate collections and private residences across the country.
On switching careers: “I never looked back.”
On tropes about artsy types: “I really don't like the ‘flaky artist’ stereotype.”
On what art has given her: “The absolute solitude of the studio. It’s like an awake meditation. Now that our kids are all grown and gone, I really desire that private time to feed my soul outside of being a grandmother, a wife, a mother, and all those other roles that are a good part of my life.”
On staying active: Susan comes from a family of tennis players and plays competitively in the 70+ league at the Bellevue Club. Just the sound of a tennis ball gives her a zip of joy.
On creative blocks: “It's important to keep going to the studio and just get the hands moving. It’s so hard when you’re in a rut to believe, because it feels like you’re not going to ever get out of it. You’ve just got to have the faith that the corner turns.
Hometown: Lafayette, California
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