If you find yourself with extra time on this long weekend (aah, long weekends are the best!) you might want to choose a gift to let your grandparents know how much they mean to you. After all, Grandparents Day is Sunday, Sept. 13. I love what TF came up with: this pretty container designed by renowned artist Susan Winget, who draws inspiration from her life on a farm in North Carolina.
In advance of the day, I thought you might enjoy hearing about Susan's background, how she became an artist and her life on the farm.
QFirst, I'd love to know a little bit about your life before you graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and married your husband, Al. Where were you born and did you grow up on a farm or was that not until you were married? Were you an animal and nature lover as a child? How did you get interested in painting? And was there a person in your life who recognized and encouraged your talent?
A I was born in Charlotte, NC and spent a lot of time on my grandparents’ dairy farm in Marshville, NC. I have always loved animals passionately, especially horses. My dream of owning my own horse came true when I became engaged to my husband Al – he gave me a horse to ride instead of a diamond to wear! As for my interest in painting, I can’t really say when that began.
As long as I can remember I have loved art and loved to express myself with paints and a brush. My parents were always my biggest supporters, and encouraged me to pursue my talent as a fun extra curricular activity and then eventually as a career when I went to UNC Chapel Hill to study fine art.
Q Can you tell me a grandparents' story?
A There are too many wonderful stories about my grandparents to share just one! I loved all of them dearly. Every Sunday afternoon was spent at one of their houses. We would have a big family meal and then play together.
Both of my grandmothers loved flowers – Grandmother Arant loved her rose garden and Grandmother Haney grew beautiful calla lilies on the farm. A big part of my love for nature came from my grandparents.
Q What drew you to watercolor and particularly the muted tones and soft brushwork that characterize your art? Do you have a favorite painter or favorite period of art history?
A I love the spontaneity of the watercolor medium – so many wonderful and fun techniques can be used. Throwing color onto a blank page and seeing a painting come to life before my eyes gives me such great satisfaction.
I am constantly inspired by other artists and have many “favorites.” I love the impressionist artists Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt. I also love the impressive large portraits of John Singer Sargent and the extraordinary abstract paintings of Jackson Pollock. Some of my favorite contemporary artists include Richard Diebenkorn, Alex Powers, and Lowell Herrero.
Q On your web site, you note that "there is always an adventure (involving the land or animals) to explore." Can you share a story or memory of the farm -- trees, flowers, landscape, animals, etc. -- and how that influenced your approach to art?
A It is true that on the farm, there is an adventure waiting around every corner. My favorite adventures usually involve one or all of our Hanoverian horses. The horses have created many of my most precious memories at home – including the awesome privilege of helping them as they bring new life into the world.
In the past few years, we have also created a small bird sanctuary by our house with birdhouses and feeders, which has inspired my recent artwork immensely. I try to convey feeling in my paintings of nature and have loved exploring this idea more in my series of Sketchbook art.
Q Can you talk about a challenge you've overcome?
A This year, my daughter Erin is on an 11-month mission trip around the world. It has been a challenge to have her away from home for so long but also a joy as I am proud of her for following her heart and her call to the mission field abroad. A piece of my heart is always with her and through prayer and the love and support of my friends and family, I am able to think of the joys more than my worries.
Whenever I am faced with a challenge in my life, I often find that dear friends truly are God’s angels on earth that will pick you up and carry you through the hard times – pointing you in a positive direction and helping you along the way.
Q What was the biggest surprise of your career?
A The biggest surprise of my career is that after 22 years, my Heart and Home calendar with Lang Graphics is still one of their best sellers – what a wonderful blessing!
Susan Winget’s Songbird Bouquet is available through your local florist or at teleflora.
Next week, I'll share more of Susan's interview.
