Meet Susan Shivers | Fine Art Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susan Shivers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susan, why did you pursue a creative career?
I truly believe my talents are God-given. I have been fortunate to have the means and opportunity to pursue help through other resources to assist in fine-tuning my skills and talents. Throughout my life I have been drawn to sketching or creating in various artistic areas. Including working with clay, throwing pottery, macramé, sand art, decoupage, sewing, glass fusion, beading, watercolor, acrylics, glass on glass resin pours on a 100-year-old window, sandstone art, and making mosaic stepping stones. I also was a participant in our Casa Grande Art Association’s “Yartsy Garden Tours” where my backyard was open to the public. The yard is full of art created by other artist and myself; items from laser cut steel, handmade animals from clay, metal/glass crane by the fountain, infused glass flowers & dragonflies, stained glass, mosaics and our 1000 lb. turtle bench.

Today, I would have to say that God given talents have brought me to a passion for creating things of nature. Although, I enjoy many creative artistic mediums  I have honed in on mainly oil painting. Prior to beginning to paint each painting, I pray that God will anoint my hands, heart and mind to create his beauty that others will enjoy. I can paint for hours because I am excited to see the finished results.

In my retirement years, I finally can give more time towards my artistic efforts. I have a scheduled painting class twice per week with other artists which allows me to focus on painting without distractions. We are continually learning and being inspired by one another. However, if one is continually creating you must have a home for this art. Therefore, now my art website is published: Susanshiversfineart.com and I am beginning to market these creations. Some have to pay for therapy but, creating art is like therapy for me. It brings peace of mind and soul, joy and a sense of accomplishment in bringing art into others’ lives. I have been in juried and non-juried art shows, completed some commission work and now just installed my first commercial business sign. Being creative, having an open mind and heart allows for greater opportunities and growth. My belief is you can never stop learning and being grateful to God.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am continually working towards becoming a better artist, learning new techniques. I desire for the art I create to bring joy into others’ lives. Challenges have been living life in general, waiting for the time to create like I really wanted. I was working full time and attending online classes working towards my B.S. degree in Business Management and Human Resource Management Certification and being there for family. I still made time to paint even if it was once a week for a few hours. Creating art is one of my passions and where I find peace since I feel as though I receive ideas and inspiration from God. Personally, for me it’s another form of spending time with God.

I learned to never give up or delay pursuing my degree and continued creating art simultaneously. During the time of attending college, working full time and juggling family responsibilities creating art was my stress-reliever. I graduated with honors and was blessed by the encouragement and support from my husband, Jim. He helped me achieve my goal of completing my college degree.

Some of my current Art activities are: In May I am scheduled to teach an art class at Passion Church for twenty participants. This is my first class to instruct however, I look forward to more opportunities for engaging others and creating community. Currently, my art giclee prints are on display at our local Casa Grande Nutrition Wellness Center, Also, original oil paintings are on display at our local Casa Grande Municipal Airport; where our Casa Grande Art Association members have an Art show. Upcoming June 28-September 11, 2023 I am a selected featured artist at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport where I will be showing a variety of oil paintings. I am a participating member and Board member of the Casa Grande Art Association. I enjoy being involved with community activities, encouraging others to be involved in pursuing creativity and helping one another. My art logo statement is: “Inspired by Nature” and I believe God created nature. I am excited to see the journey God leads me using my artistic talents.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We have had many families and friends visit and some of the various places we’ve visited: Living in Casa Grande, Arizona offers some local attractions such as our Casa Grande Neon Sign Park, which is interesting and unique from other towns. Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is fun & entertaining with the many animals and stingrays. When feeding the ostriches, you really must watch out for they can be quite aggressive but fun to observe. Downtown we offer our Casa Grande Art Museum which has interesting art in the yard, fence surrounding the property is a beautiful designed steel with stained glass art along with the art on the building in the back. The building itself is cute and fits our town nicely. Our historic downtown offers “The Cook E Jar Bakery & Cafe” which is a must, plus the historical buildings have been artistically painted by some of our local artists. In the greater surroundings areas, a few places we have visited are the Grand Canyon North and South rims, Phoenix Zoo & Aquarium, Rustlers Rooste American Restaurant has a unique large slide to come down to the second level. It’s a fun activity for young and old combined with good food. Old Tombstone, Arizona Gunfight show, walking tour and carriage rides.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Jim has loved, supported and encouraged me for the last 26 years. Family and friends that have provided encouragement along the way. Artist and friend Libby Hilbourne who provided my initial inspiration for painting on canvas from her floral watercolor paintings. Inspiration from friend and co-worker that purchased one of my first paintings. The various instructors that have taught me the process of all of the different types of art I learned. In the last 3 years attending oil painting art classes 2 days a week I must recognize Mark White our Art instructor for his guidance, instruction, teachings and mentorship. Most importantly, God deserves the credit for all I have created.

Website: //https:susanshiversfineart.com

Image Credits
Susan Shivers