Susan Goldie

I’m an artist and fashion designer who is just beginning to understand the impulses that have been guiding my work since I was young. I have had a crayon, marker, or paintbrush in my hand since I was four years old, and a sewing machine became a permanent appendage not long after that. Fast forward many decades: I still thrive on creating, and I still surround myself with colorful art supplies and now, high tech sewing machines. Delving into abstract mixed-media art has been a driving force for the last five years, and I can now see the influence of archetypes in my work, even when I wasn’t aware of them.

I painted Alternate Access during a couple sessions (which is quick for me), and it was my first foray into the world of oil, and cold wax. I also used a new tool – a silicone wedge replaced the paint brush. As the materials were new to me, a beginner mindset served well, and I set out to learn and to experiment. I did not imagine I would end up with a finished piece, but that is what happened. Although the painting is abstract, I was not attempting to manipulate any particular object or idea. At a certain point, I realized I was creating something I was going to be happy with – not just a practice run – and I was surprised!

Looking at the piece, I feel it represents an opening to an alternate consciousness, a meditative place where I can connect with forces greater than me. I like traveling to that place, it feels calm, and there’s no room for ego there. Alternate Access was born from an extreme opening of spirit, and by pausing the know-it-all chatter in my head to allow internal nudges and intuition to guide the laying down of color and form. I let the painting become what it wanted to become. I’d say the Visionary, the Artist, and the Traveler were in the wings guiding the entire process. I am so grateful.

Alternate Access 2022 24” by 20” Mixed Media: Oil Paint, Oil Sticks, Pastel NFS susan@susangoldie.com susangoldie.com