Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzie Baker.
Suzie, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Like most professional artists I always knew that my vocation had to center around a creative discipline. My pragmatic side caused me to choose a major in Graphic Design from Louisiana Tech University. Fortunately, my design program also encouraged and offered many opportunities for fine art electives and I began oil painting from life, both in the studio and outdoors (en plein air).
I worked as a designer and art director in Louisiana before relocating to Houston and taking a job as an art director at a firm called The Focus Group. I took a few years off when my children came along but jumped into doing design work on my own until my husband’s job took us to the Middle East. That was my reset button. I traded in my Pantone swatches for a palette and brushes and haven’t looked back. We returned home to the Houston area in 2010 and I began marketing myself in Ernest.
My painting schedule has me traveling all over the United States. In fact, I’m doing this interview from a hotel room in Flagstaff AZ, preparing to start paining tomorrow on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to participate in the Grand Canyon Celebration of Arts. After that, I’ll visit Authentique Gallery in Saint George, UT to drop off some paintings and discuss the Oil Painters of America 2019 National Show then head on to Yellowstone National Park for their first ever Plein Air event. Can I just say at this point! Wow! Am I the most blessed person on the planet, sometimes I think so. I do love my job!!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a representational oil painter specializing in a type of painting known as plein air painting. Plein Air is a French term meaning “open air.” The plein air movement in the United States is very vibrant and connecting communities to art in a unique and inspiring way. Event organizers invite somewhere between 12-60 artists to travel to their location armed with travel easels, blank canvases and frames. We paint for a week, after which all of our paintings get turned in for awards and a show and sale. The proceeds get split between the artists and the host organization (usually a not for profit).
In addition to painting en plein air, I do still life, portrait/figurative work and studio landscapes. When I look at work I admire in galleries or museums, online and in books, I feel a need to get to my easel. I hope my work does the same for others. Additionally, I get a great deal of satisfaction when a collector comes back to me and expresses a sustained joy in having my paintings in their home. When I worked as an Art Director in ad agencies, never once did anyone tell me that my brochure or annual report brought them joy while having their morning coffee. Maybe I wasn’t doing it right.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
The recession was hard on artists. Let’s face it, buying original art becomes a low priority when you are concerned about losing your job. Good news though, year after year however, my work has generated more and more income.
Appreciating art is also one of those transcendent qualities unique to humanity. It deepens our life experience but isn’t known for being as big an income generator as a mall, movie theater or sports facility. I’m aware that the Woodlands has been researching and considering various options for facilities to support the arts. Arts facilities are important for a well-rounded community and public and private funding are essential to support creating these venues. This is especially true in The Woodlands where renting a space for a not-for-profit arts organization is cost prohibitive.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My website:
www.suziebaker.com
My galleries:
Authentique Gallery 199 N. Main Street St. George, Utah 84770 (435) 688-7278 or (435) 313-5008
Lovetts Gallery 6528 East 51st Street Tulsa, OK 74145 918-664-4732
Pitzer’s Fine Arts 613909 Ranch Road 12 Wimberley, TX 78676 512-722-6032
Tartaglia Fine Art 307 E Ojai Avenue, Suite 102 Ojai, CA 93023 805-646-0967
The Gallery at Round Top 203 East Austin Round Top, TX 78954 979-249-4119
By signing up for my monthly newsletter, through the contact me section on my website, artists and collectors can find out where I will be painting, learn about upcoming workshops and pick up some tips and tricks.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.suziebaker.com
- Email: suzie@suziebaker.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/suziebakerartist/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/suziebakerart
Image Credit:
Photo of me painting in white shirt: by Laurie Sermos.
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
