Susan Christenson

Suzan Christenson, artist statement:

"I almost always inevitably gain my artistic inspiration from nature. I love to travel - planes, trains or automobiles - but have found some of the most beautiful scenery and memorable destinations which I have committed to canvas have been reached on foot. If my easel and paints can’t be lugged along to capture the moment, my camera is always strapped to my back in order to do so.

“There are two places to which I return again and again in order to commune with nature and reenergize my creativity. One is a creekside garden in the Santa Barbara foothills which I planted after my Mom died nine years ago. It has become not only a place for me to feel at one with the natural world, but a haven for birds, butterflies and deer as well (and countless other creatures which roam long after the sun has gone down for the day).

“The other is up in the forest high upon Bear Mountain , where the wildness of Mother Nature is in her glory, exhibiting both her gentle beauty in the giant Ponderosa Pines and her untamed passion in the savage winters which ravage the terrain, nourishing it with a deep, life-giving snowfall. Both of these places are spiritual, alive with life force energy which I absorb as I meditate there....and later hope to translate into my art.

“My most recent series, “Mustangs on the Pacific Crest Trail,” is a manifestation of my love of these wild, beautiful creatures...from observing their strength and oneness with the Earth. Hiking on the Tehachapi section of the Pacific Crest Trail has allowed me the opportunity to connect with several of the herds inhabiting this area, has humbled me by the gift of simply being in their presence, and has inspired me to attempt to capture their resilient and indomitable spirit.

“Through my paintings I hope to help people gain an appreciation for these magnificent creatures while hopefully increasing awareness of their plight for survival, and the grave injustices being inflicted upon them. They are truly an innate part of this precious land upon which we all live, and their fierce desire for freedom continues to be one of the greatest symbols of the American Dream."