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Biography
As a child, I was introduced to fine art and performing arts by my parents who took me to a multitude of events on a regular basis. The pleasure of these experiences influenced my pursuit of art in academics and career choices. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in art education at the University of Michigan and earned a Master of Science in art education from Illinois State University. When I was in college, I won honorable mention in the annual Seventeen Magazine creative writing and illustration contest. Also, when I was at the University of Michigan I was chosen to create the stage curtain and all of the promotional graphics and program design for the Musket theatrical production of "The Boyfriend".
As an adult, I have maintained an art studio and I have participated in numerous national and international juried art shows. My passion for the arts also led to my establishing an Arts Council in central Illinois with the focus being to make the arts accessible to people of all ages in the area. I received the National Altrusa Award for Woman of the Year in recognition of my community service. I have been listed in Who’s Who of American Women, and most recently I was named one of the "Top Fifty Artists to Watch" in the San Diego region. In addition to my profession as an artist I have worked as an educator in all grades of school from elementary through college, including graduate college classes.
Artist’s Statement
"My art reflects who I am. The characters that I sometimes include in my paintings tell a story or portray emotions or feelings that I am experiencing. My figures tend to be stylized or exaggerated to portray a personality and to enhance a composition. My animals seem humanistic and share a degree of importance equal to that of the people in the picture...
I am very fond of bright colors and I often use them to convey a sense of frivolity. I create my art using a variety of lines and interesting shapes to evoke energy and playfulness. My art is meant to be whimsical and happy. If it makes the viewer smile, then I have accomplished my goal."
Susan Gesell
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