[Susan Washington](https://www.cohart.com/u/susanwashington) is an abstract painter from Brooklyn New York. Her work is considered urban pop art and is largely informed by growing up in art New York during the 80s. Susan's work is semi-autobiographical, diving deep into her best memories of NYC, especially in her recent body of abstract artwork entitled Subway Sonnets, featuring imagery, words, and surfaces that she related to NYC - billboards, graffiti train cars, etc. Currently, she lives and works in Baltimore.

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##### What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you start your journey?

My family is from Calabria, but my parents both had a deep love of Asian culture (which I am truly grateful for). We lived in Brooklyn, NY, and had a Tatami room where my Japanese godmother, Kaisan, and my father (both artists) would teach me the art of Sumi-e and watercolor. I discovered my love of mixed media sitting in the back of Kaisan’s Japanese restaurant in NYC, with Japanese newspapers on the table and a large Kabuki doll in a glass case. I would sit for hours ripping up the newspaper, sticking the pieces onto paper napkins, and recreating the doll. That was the start of the journey. 

I went a completely different direction career-wise, working in the NYC fashion industry for over 20 years. It wasn’t until I was in my 40s that I decided to pursue my dream and become a full-time artist. I left a career in the NY fashion industry and went to art school but dropped out a couple of years later because I sold an entire body of work and needed studio time to make more. I never looked back.

##### Can you describe a turning point in your artistic career that significantly impacted your work?

I was preparing for an exhibition and had a bad creative block I could not get through. In a fit of frustration, I threw everything from my studio outside to be taken away with the garbage. A few days later, I noticed that one of the boards I put out had broken and was in a long vertical format. It reminded me of when I was young and would paint in that orientation with Kaisan. I pulled it all back in, went to a local Japanese restaurant, got some newspaper, and stopped to pick up some tailoring patterns, two things that were very familiar from my past. I locked myself in the studio, and before I knew it, I was transported back to when I was a kid (but with an entirely new artistic vocabulary), and I broke through that block. I have used mixed media ever since, with Asian newspapers becoming a constant in my work.

##### What challenges have you faced in your artistic career, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge for me was changing careers in my 40s and deciding to go to art school, all while raising two teenagers and taking care of a mother with severe dementia. At some point, the drive to create is so strong that nothing will stop you; you just do it and break through any obstacles. 

##### What role does technology play in your art-making process, if any?

I love technology and embrace it fully….AI and all. When I have commissions, I create all digital mockups using tools like Mid-Journey, Photoshop, etc. I experiment and test out new ideas with a digital drawing tablet. I recently started a series of photography-based projects, and I use programs like Gigapixel AI to upscale my photographs to increase resolution and Photoshop to manipulate the backgrounds. On the business of art side, I use conversational AI while working in the studio as an assistant. If I am painting, I can have it remind me of things later on that I thought of while I was busy working, create a list, and look up something if I have a question pertaining to something I am working on.

##### How do you approach the concept of failure in your art practice?

An artist should take risks; fear of failure is vital to keep our art alive. Artists who play it safe and don't take risks rarely make exciting work.

##### In what ways do you think art can contribute to social change or address current issues in society? 

Art has documented social change since humans walked on Earth. Art is so influential, and it challenges perceptions and stereotypes. Look at the fantastic African American art we have seen raising awareness and bringing attention to the struggles of black communities, countering negative portrayals, and combating racism. We have works by artists like Banksy that address social injustice. Artists like Ai Weiwei created installations that address the global refugee crises, encouraging support and understanding. During the early days of the pandemic, all my artist friends started creating very dark work, as did I. It was our processing and reflection of this dark, scary time. Art is a powerful tool that can spark conversations that address societal issues and document history. 

##### Can you share a specific project or piece that holds special significance for you? Why is it important?

I am working on a personal project called Project Visage. In a society that often judges women on their age, contributing to feelings of “invisibility” among older women, this project challenges societal norms and inspires the women who come behind us. Living in a city where I meet some of the most badass older women I have ever met, I want to share their stories, faces, and power. I am working towards an exhibition in late 2025 featuring 25-30 5'x4' mixed-media portraits, encouraging viewers to connect with these women and consider their own prejudices and perspectives.

##### How do you handle criticism or feedback on your work?

It depends on who it’s coming from! If it’s someone whose opinion I value, I completely welcome it. It’s healthy to be challenged because even if you disagree with the criticism, it forces you to defend your own work, and doing this gives you a deeper understanding of your work and the ability to communicate about it more effectively. 

##### Can you share your thoughts on the importance of art education in society?

In society in general, some education in the arts is essential. It creates opportunities for a life richer in culture and art and helps give a deeper understanding of it, leading to better experiences when viewing art and the desire to have more art in their lives. Also, artists have a unique way of thinking because, essentially, what we do all day is problem-solve on the canvas. Art education helps uniquely develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed for various aspects of life, and it can provide a unique skill set for people in other fields.

##### How do you decide when a piece is finished? What signals that to you?

Deciding when a piece is finished is often one of the most challenging things to do, and knowing when to stop is essential. When I think something is finished, I usually turn it to the wall and don’t look at it for a few weeks. When I turn it around, if I still love it as it is - it’s done. That being said, nothing is safe from the paintbrush until it leaves the studio. 

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An artist's journey from fashion to full-time art, overcoming challenges, embracing technology, and addressing social issues through mixed-media

Spotlight: Susan Washington's Creative Rebirth Sparks Mixed Media Magic

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