Susan J. Harris is a mixed media artist specializing in intuitive, abstract, and minimalist paintings.
Artist Statement
”I paint from the heart, letting what's on the inside spill out onto the canvas. Abstracts are my way of experiencing freedom; letting go of expectations and embracing life with simplicity.”
About
Susan’s passion for art began at a young age in the mid 50’s when she took private art lessons from the late North Carolina artist, Francis Kendall. Francis taught Susan various art forms, instilling in her a desire to experiment and find joy in every part of the creative journey. Throughout high school and college, Susan expanded her studies in a variety of disciplines, including pottery, sculpture, and stained glass construction; all of which have influenced her use of texture and color.
In 2004, Susan decided it was time to pursue her lifelong love of art. It began as a way to process the changes she experienced in life. Her early artwork centered around themes of finding joy and healing. Those themes continue to recur in her work to this day.
Susan returned to creating art in 2024 after a 3 year hiatus from painting due to life circumstances. A new, more playful abstract style emerged revealing bolder contrasts of color and shapes.
Painting Styles
INTUITIVE: Comprised of deep colors and rich textures that capture the natural beauty of the world around us. Susan works layer by layer, building depth into the painting using various materials like modeling paste, natural fibers, papers, acrylic gels and found objects. The creating process takes time, and throughout each step she adds color; different hues that are washed, glazed, troweled or scumbled, building layer upon layer. Each painting becomes a discovery, a story, and a study of the time it takes to create it. A single piece may take weeks or months to complete. Her work is sought out by both personal collectors and public organizations that recognize the unique, intuitive, and introspective aspects of her art.
ABSTRACT: Expression of feelings and emotions. Playful and colorful. Some with texture, some without
MINIMALIST: Focused on the simplicity of shapes and minimal color.
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Harris is an internationally published artist. She has served as a juror for fine art exhibitions, assisted in overseeing artwork gallery installations and managed the gallery of local artists at the Chamber of Commerce in Greensboro, NC. Her paintings can be found in private and commercial installations throughout the US, Canada and Europe. She works out of her home studio in Randolph County, NC.
Favorite Inspirations
Colors, patterns and textures found in nature and everyday life.
Gallery Representation
NC FINE ART & GIFTS at THE ART SHOP (2017-Present)
ABOUT NC FINE ART & GIFTS -- The Art Shop, originally established in 1899 as an art gallery and photography shop and one of Greensboro's oldest and most well respected businesses, recently introduced a new space adjacent to the main gallery that features unique visual perspectives of North Carolina's rich scenery and history. Part of the inspiration behind the formation of NC Fine Art & Gifts is the abundance of great art being produced in our area. The new gallery features an array of beautiful works, including fine art, pottery, and an assortment of locally hand-crafted gift items created by local and regional artists.
NC Fine Art & Gifts
(located adjacent to The Art Shop)
3900 West Market St., Ste. A
Greensboro, NC 27407
info@artshopnc.com
www.artshopnc.com
Click here for driving directions, courtesy Google maps
NOTE: Susan’s available paintings may be purchased through NC Fine Art & Gifts. Simply contact the gallery with the title and size of the artwork. They will handle the order. Thank you!