Susan Hall
It is my pleasure to present Susan Hall, who is a featured artist in the Community Art Collection housed at Baird & Warner in Berwyn. Her work feels like a sanctuary, offering peace, stillness and tenderness. Hauntingly beautiful and illuminating, Susan’s artwork is a delicate dance between texture, soft painterly strokes and hue. With a focus on nature and honoring the female figure, she exquisitely fosters a meditative and quiet space for her subjects to greet viewers in all of their beauty.
We welcome you to delve further into her work by inviting you to view her catalogue, which features a range of works. Consider expanding your art collection by purchasing her artwork or initiating a commission with Susan Hall.
Susan Hall has exhibited her work throughout the U.S., including shows at Lyonswier Packer Gallery in New York City, Thomas Masters Gallery in Chicago, and Butters Gallery in Portland, Oregon, to name a few. Hall received her MFA from the University of Georgia and her BA from Connecticut College.
To view the Community Art Collection currently on display at Baird & Warner, click here.
“Whether painting people or animals, I hope to convey a sense of reverence for all living things. I’m fascinated by the delicate balance and powerful beauty of the natural world.”
Artist Q&A
A conversation between Michelle Ruiz and Susan Hall
Michelle Ruiz: Tell us a little about your background and what led you to the arts?
Susan Hall: I grew up in a large, creative family and was encouraged in my art pursuits from a young age. I loved to draw and paint. In college, I discovered printmaking and loved the look and process of intaglio in particular. I’d always loved science and animals so I studied both zoology and art in college. I then decided to get an MFA in painting and printmaking from the University of Georgia. After graduating, I started showing my work in an art gallery in Atlanta. After moving to Chicago in 1993, I started getting my work into more galleries and eventually was able to make art full time.
MR: Are there specific conversations you are looking to bring forth through your art practice?
SH: With my figurative work, my hope is the viewer will feel empathy for the subject while bringing their own history to the work. I hope there is a mystery to the figure that the viewer finds compelling. With the animals, I try to convey my reverence and respect for these creatures with whom we share this delicate planet.
MR: We are currently featuring a painting titled Hemisphere (oil on panel, 48” x 43”, 2018) in the Baird & Warner Art Collection, and I am moved by your intricate surface texture in this work in combination with the feminine figure and scale. There is a push and pull that occurs when seeing the work in person, it invites viewers close to enjoy the lace-like textured details in the painting and move back to take in the female figure. Can you tell us more about your materials, process and the female figure depicted in your work?
SH: I began incorporating lace and crochet patterns into my work as a way to combat creative block. The blank white panel was too intimidating, so I played around with stenciling patterns onto panels before laying on the figure. I kept experimenting and came up with a technique to embed a lace pattern in gesso (the acrylic substrate of my oil paintings) and that was a game-changer. I loved the textured surface, though it can be tricky, kind of like painting on sandpaper. For this reason I began painting in thin glazes, building up the image slowly.
The model in ‘Hemisphere’ is my niece, Hannah. For years my model was my fraternal twin sister. I find I much prefer painting people I love, so I usually paint family members or close friends. I mainly paint women because there is an element of self-portraiture in those figurative pieces.
MR: Your work effortlessly holds space for beauty, peace and meditation. Can you share what your process is when preparing for a new piece or the inspirations and source materials used in your practice?
SH: Thank you for saying that. I do hope viewers find my work meditative. I find inspiration while walking in nature, and I often walk in Riverside and photograph deer there.
MR: Are there any mentors or favorite artists that have inspired your work?
SH: I studied with figurative painter Barkley Hendricks in college. He was a mentor. I’m drawn to the muted colors of the Tonalists, and love Whistler’s work in particular. I love the dramatic lighting in Carravagio’s paintings.
MR: Do you have any current or upcoming events/exhibits that we can share with our audience?
SH: I’m currently in a group show at Lily Pad West Gallery in Milwaukee, WI. This summer, I’ll be showing work at Edgewood Orchard Gallery in Fish Creek, WI, Tvedten Fine Art in Harbor Springs, MI, and at Lily Pad Gallery in Watch Hill, RI. I’d also like to mention that I’ll have a monoprint in Inspiration Corporation’s annual art auction, “One Inspired Evening” on April 14. They are a great charity, working to help people overcome homelessness and poverty. Details here: inspirationcorp.org
MR: Where can someone purchase your work or see it in person?
SH: My work can be purchased at any of the above-mentioned galleries, or you can visit my website, susanhallpaintings.com, I’m also on Instagram @susanshall.
Artist Information
Susan Hall
IG: @susanshall
Website: susanhallpaintings.com
Email: susanshall@icloud.com
Click here for the catalog to view the Community Art Collection currently on display at Baird & Warner.