Susan Searway-Fertig

Artist Statement

Whether I am working on two-dimensional plane or in photography I try to capture the essence of my subject by focusing on their lines, patterns, textures, forms, colors, and shapes. My hope is to find a unique perspective in all my work.

I look for stability in an unstable society. Based on this concept I have created my figurative series: Persona. Persona is a personal reflection that focuses on the harmony of the body and the soul: the physical versus the spiritual, represented sometimes as one, sometimes as individuals. I try to blend the idealism of the human form in combination and contrast with the variety of people – people seen through the lens of reality varying in shape, size, and form. I like to use a lot of color, movement, and spontaneity in my compositions.

My digital art series starts as watercolors done in a life drawing session or photography at wine tasting events or vineyards. I scan those into the computer, create the silhouettes in one program, and do a photo-montaging technique within each silhouette. There are 150+ layers of figures within my Dance Art series Persona: A Figurative Series or 150+ layers of leaves, grapes, and grapevines within my Wine Art series A Grapevine’s Persona.

My artwork is then printed as limited editions prints on dye-infused metal prints and are all signed and numbered.