This months Interview is with The Arts Site's Artist Of The Moment Susan E Bevan

Thank you Susan for taking time out to talk to us about your art.

Let me begin, by saying thank you so much for choosing me, as the “Artist of the Moment” here on The Arts Site!

You currently live in Maryland USA, did you grow up there as well?

You can say, it all kinda started, growing up just outside, and working in the city of Philadelphia, where I often toured historic sites for fun. Then, moving to a place so full of untouched, rural American history, as Cecil County Maryland, along the Susquehanna River, 20+yrs. ago, I have developed a passion, for the beauty only time can give to things.

I went to vo-tech for commercial art in 10th grade, in the early 1970's. After finishing all my schooling, I worked as a commercial artist in Philadelphia.

Back then, computers were kept on a separate floor than the artists offices & were 6' tall with spinning things on the front!! We had no idea how they got our work in there, and we didn’t know we had to care!!! Plus, way back then, we thought there would never be need for an artist to type!!

I left for what I thought would be a few years, to raise my kids &...you all know what happened to the business! So, everything computer I’ve learned since, has been self taught. Most recently web design, and image animation. Though, hands on arts and crafting, for me...is lifetime!

I’ve been a starving artist/ bartender - which I did love too, becoming quite well known in my tri-state area as “magic” the Bartender. Or, “The Magic Bartender”, which has stuck ever since. Other than a few years teaching crafting for Tandy Leather Company, until they closed their store, and teaching/demonstrating/hosting art & craft parties privately now and then, I haven’t been able to do something creative for a living since I had my kids. Just a little here and there but, not enough to pay the bills. It is my dream someday though!!

Even though I’m starting out a bit late, I’m working hard to make that dream come true someday! And, looking to others for example and guidance all the time. I’m sure I don’t have it all figured out just yet, but if determination helps...I think I’m in! You see, I really do love making, well...just about everything! I always have! I would say, in a nut shell... I’m a Artist, Crafter, Scientist, Naturalist, Herbalist, Biker, all-American women who is into: Family, Friends, My Car, Vintage Classic, & Hand Crafted. If not for my greatest & most wondrous & important masterpiece, my family, I swear, I could just create, create, create!

When did you first realize you wanted to take your art further?

I made the decision, if I'm honest my health made me make a decision, about two years ago, to take some time just for Art. At the time, I felt like it was a no brain-er! I mean come on what could be Greater? I had been making, and selling my "Magic Bartender’s Balm" (another story) pretty steady & to take time just for art, was a dream addition!

But, I had forgotten that the struggle to find a style & technique of my own, had never been settled in my heart & soul. After all, the last 20+ yrs were spent raising my four kids, staying married (LOL) & working. Which had left little time to paint. There were always crafts and fun art going on. But there was no soul cleansing, solitary, spirit renewing art. You know, just for me!

But I was quickly reminded you don’t just say…”I’m gonna paint”! Every piece was taking more time to “work through” then the time I was spending with brush in hand. It just wasn’t working…I wasn’t feeling it at all! It was quite disheartening. Because I know I have to do this!

I started joining art communities, visiting blogs, watching videos, and still. My end results were so disappointing to me! And, as I think anyone who creates will say as well, Your own satisfaction is more important in the long run, than anyone's approval. Well…as long as you have food everyday!

So, last Spring, I made a plan. I would devote all my energy, to finding my art! If I’m honest with myself, I didn’t have all the time in the world anymore, age does creep up on us all. And everyday is a gift!

I virtually cut myself off from all outside influences, started with what I love…

the Old, Classic & Timeless. I traveled here & there, I took lots of pics., went to the Art museums, and sketched my ‘lil fingers off. Then set to mixing, blending and experimenting. I threw out everything I was ever told to always do, and to never do.

Could you tell us some more about your work, which would you say was your preferred medium to work in, and why?

I have developed my own unique painting technique. I don't use any Media &/or Medium as your "supposed" to and work mainly with a combo of pastels, charcoals, natural oxide & mica colors, various acrylic mediums & paints on Canvas Board. Resulting in unique depth, texture & color. That I think, compliments the subject matter I choose!

I love to work with all sorts of stuff, finding uses & way to use things that others haven’t considered, rocks my world!

I don’t like “machines” for my art & crafting. Mainly because, they don’t like me! So everything I sew is by hand, etc.. Needle crafts are also, I would say not in my expertise. But, other than the limitations I can sometimes run into w/ that attitude... I’ll try anything once... twice if I like it!

Which artists have influenced you, and how?

I am most interested in the "imperfect". And, keep in mind, I have an Expressionist / Impressionist style - meaning I don't paint perfect replicas, but more my interpretations, although, I think you'll easily recognize the inspiration! I have studied, admired, and enjoyed a long, illustrious list of classic and contemporary artists, both past & present, I find I’m a bit like a “kid in a candy store” when trying to choose a favorite. Each artist I see every day, are always the very best & I’m inspired by them all. But alas, in trying to be “individual” myself, I’ve never pinned it down to just one favorite!

What's life outside of painting, what other interests do you have?

I've been married almost 30 yrs., to my very best friend, who is “Motor Head” thru & thru! He worked for a Harley Davidson Dealership in Pennsylvania for a time, before his current position as a mechanic for the USPS (United States Postal Service). For the past 40yrs., he has bought & sold Harley-Davidson, and Norton Motorcycles, and all types of classic cars & trucks all over the world. and is quite respected in that community for his knowledge & skills, as his hobby.

We have 4 kids, 23-30 yrs old, who have really great “Significant Others”, who I love like my own! There are 5 Grand-kids, 2mnths thru 13yrs. old. And my special babies, “Gizmo’, a Japanese Chin. And “Heaven” a King Charles”, who are rescued dogs, that we adore. And then there’s the only machine that’s ever loved me, a butt kick-in’, bright red, ‘64 Pontiac Le-mans Convertible, that feels like family to me.

How do you feel about art today and the future?

Now, I am so excited everyday to paint. What I will call, a kinda “rural decay”! That state & the place that time has brought things. Found/Discovered! Everything that was, something to someone once! The…Rusty, dusty, overgrown, abandoned…cars trucks trains planes, farms & their equipment. Lighthouses, railroad, factories, rooms &/or their contents, ruins. The things I stumble upon when walking in the middle of nowhere. Sometimes like a walk through a time warp. I think all my Art contains an expressionist vision. I continuously try to depict the subjective emotions and responses that objects and events arouse in me! And always include qualities of highly subjective, personal, spontaneous self-expression! No two of my pieces are ever alike! They are my vision alone!

The Results, reactions and requests for more of the same, have set my heart flying! And, being selected “Artist of the Moment” here, on The Arts Site, is an extra sweet “Icing on the Cake”! Thank you so very much!

Susan E. Bevan

aka The Magic Bartender

You can visit Susan's Profile Page Here and leave a message.

You can also view more of Susan's work by visiting her Galleries or by visiting Susan's Official Website