Artist Statement

Words are often inadequate to capture the images that touch our hearts.  

On my first birthday, my Mom took me to the ocean. As she held my hand, in spite of the waves coming towards me, she said I continued to walk right in.

Much of my work is inspired by water in all its forms.

Painting to me is the vehicle to express the feelings that I have about nature. I paint in oil as I love the juicy feeling under my brush.

As my work has evolved I have moved towards the edge of abstraction. And I like living on that edge as I do not want to dictate what the viewer should experience but instead participate by bringing their feelings to what they are seeing. I do however hope that they know that nature is my inspiration.

I need to be out of doors as being inside makes me feel like an animal that has been caged.  My process is to observe and feel my experience. I then paint from those feelings and not photos. My studio in filled with windows and light that allows me to   continue to see the nature that surrounds me.

I have been told by some that my work is serene and contemplative. Others have remarked on the strong sense of movement and excitement. This pleases me because I try for my work to create a safe space from the challenges of the outside world. 

About Susan Friend

Susan Friend is a New York City-and East Hampton-based artist, deeply inspired by nature. Her oil paintings feature water and nature.

Growing up in New York City, Susan’s artistic journey began as a drama student at the High School for Performing Arts. She went on to start her own business outside of the arts and continued to foster her creativity through designing and maintaining her East Hampton garden. Her garden was featured in articles in both the East Hampton Star and Long Long Island's Newsday. It was also part of the prestigious Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) Garden Tour, as well as several tours with the Garden Conservancy. Another creative outlet of Susan's is cooking. Her menus always feature a harmony of colors and textures, in addition to a balance of flavors. The artistic growth that she developed through cooking and gardening laid the groundwork for her second act as a painter.

Upon retirement, Susan felt an inspiration from within to finally take a leap and explore her desire to paint. She began her studies at the Salmagundi Club in New York City, where she received a Best in Show award. She currently studies at the Art Students League in New York City with Frank O'Cain, and the Victor D'Amico Institute of Art (fondly known as the Art Barge) in Amagansett, New York, where she has also received awards and recognition in group shows.

*Susan’s paintings are in homes in New York City, Long Island, New York, Florida, California, Italy, Singapore and Poland.