Artist Interviews 2022

Susan Cohn  
By Julia Siedenburg



Susan Cohn’s art got my immediate attention when I saw it at the LA Art Show. Beautiful collaboration of different colored ink pieces that remind of spring flowers and light dancing in the sky. She was so sweet to take the time and guide me through her art space herself. With her purple hairstrain and her awesome outfit, I knew I wanted to learn more about her as a person and her process. So here is the article about the amazing Susan Cohn. Don’t miss it!



What does the word “Artist” mean to you?

The deepest meaning of “artist” for me is to become someone who has established a place on the rung of the grand ladder of creativity … thus building on the work of creatives of the past, and building onion the traditions of those who came before me as well as offering additions for those who follow to build upon.



In which way do you think has art changed through the years? And do you think it changed for the better or worse?

We are given the gift of the development of art from the cave artist forward. These traditions can be read, taught, and learned. Thus it is not a matter of better or worst, but one of steady study and growth with each artist in each time period offering steps toward the nest innovation.



How did you get the idea to use ink in your pieces? Tell us a bit about your journey and experience exploring different ways of to paint with ink.

I was studying print making an ordered some ink, as I was running low. The ink that arrived was something that I had never seen before. Instead of returning the set of inks, I began to experience with them. The experimentation led to the work that I am doing today… the ink on plastic period. When I tried the ink on plastic, I found the results very pleasing. More people wanted to buy my work so I continued to experiment and sell as I went along.



Your pieces are so colorful and beautiful. They bring a sense of happiness and lightness to them. Would you say happy colorful art is your main focus?

Thanks for noticing. As I experimented more and more, I had more people telling me that the resulting paints made them feel happy. The more I worked, the happer the viewers claimed to be.



A lot of times, artist express their feelings, their mood and their current state of mind through their art. Would you say your art is influenced by your emotions that way? Is Art an outlet for you? Is it a way to let your feelings out?

I have gone through periods since I have began painting over 28-years ago. The happy, colorful pieces became a focus when they sold in much large numbers than the iterations of me previous work.



Please tell us a little bit more about your background and your upbringing.

Painting has become a passion for me. I paint daily, not only because I have decided to do so, but because I must. My is to learn from those who came before me and contribute to the body of knowledge so that others can stand on my shoulders.



How did you get to the idea to have a “Explore in 3D” feature on your website and you made NFTs as well. Do you think technology gives us a better way of experiencing art?

I was not good at art in grade school. I thought that I was a writer. My undergraduate degree is in English: my graduate degree is in Business Administration. I took my first art lesson when I was fifty.



How was the LA Art Show experience for you? What was one of the best moments for you there?

I am always asking myself questions such as, what can I do to give the impression that a painting is three dimensional.



On your Instagram, you have a lot of quotes and inspirational sayings of your own on your Instagram page. What would you advise young artists that wants to have their pieces shown at art shows and art fairs?

What would happen if I added light to a composition? How could I make this painting look as if it is moving? I think that trying to accomplish an affect I have never seen before might be interesting. I think technology gives us a different way of experiencing art. I am always searching for a way of expressing myself in a new manner.

My advice to young artists is to decide what you want to do with your art. Set goals and seek out mentors to work with you on achieving your goals. My path is my own, and each artist needs to find a path that is right for her/him.

For me, the LA Art Show is working, but I must say that it is a huge undertaking. One must have a budget, a timeline and a plan whether it is the LA Art Show or your local art league as your venue for exposing your work and receiving feedback.



What is next for you? Any shows or events planned in the near future?

I will be doing the LA Art Show for the third year in a row next February. I am also planning an open studio in the next few months and will complete my next book and release it during the coming summer. The title of this book is “The Spring Principle”. I am also planning a mentoring program for a limited number of creatives by Fall of this year.