Interview
Susan Whitlow
A lifelong artist, Susan creates meaningful pieces in her home studio.
Her passion for hearing the stories of others has inspired her craft, and she brings these stories to life through canvas and paint. Each piece is crafted lovingly in Perrysburg, Ohio.
Susan is the founder of Susan Whitlow Designs.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“From an early age, I’ve always been drawn to color. My eye has always seemed to find the brightest spot on which to focus, which has led to an obsession with color over the years. I majored in fine art at the University of Toledo for some time, although I never completed my degree. Instead, I was drawn into the world of hair color, where I created a successful career as a color specialist.
I continued to dabble in and create art in my spare time, but it was not until I experienced some heartbreak and losses in my life that I picked up the paintbrush and began to seriously paint again. Because it brought me such joy, I would post each completed piece on social media. To my great surprise, there was a lot of interest in my painting style, leading to purchase of the paintings. This has led to the launch of Susan Whitlow Designs and the ride of my life!”
What inspires you?
“The stories of others and how they have overcome difficulties are a great inspiration to me. There can be so much peace, joy, and goodness on the other side of heartache. I like to think my paintings reveal a ribbon of hope for such things.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My paintings portray freedom, joy, peace—the living hope that leads us to redemption.”
“It’s our responsibility as artists to open people’s eyes to this astounding beauty, crazy color, and masterful creation that we take so much for granted.”
How would you describe your work?
“I've been told on many occasions that my pieces are happy. What a compliment! We need more happiness in this world.
I would describe my work as ‘living abstracts’—where life seems to move within the painting.”
Which artists influence you most?
“My favorite contemporary artist is Josh Jensen from North Carolina. His technique with line and color is incredibly inspiring and unique.
I also love Megan Triantafillou—another Ohio artist—and her use of shadowy color placement.”
What is your creative process like?
“There are many steps and layers that go into each painting. I usually begin by pushing paint around on the canvas with a catalyst wedge or pallet knife. I continue with different layers of paint, allowing drying time between each layer. Then I look for shapes that have been created by the layering, and the piece begins to take direction.
Each work is a journey of the heart and the attempt to bring that unbridled emotion and hope to the work. There are times when I can see the piece unfolding as I paint, but the surprisingly fun paintings are the ones that seem to all come together at the very end.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist’s role is to reflect the creativity and beauty of the great Master Creator, God. To look at our world and not recognize the supernatural beauty is the same as walking through life wearing sunglasses. The splendor of it is dimmed.”
