Susan Fothergill/Artist Profile

...each piece of art, a fragment of a never ending poem,
an heirloom of love.
-susan fothergill

This is the work of Canadian artist, Susan Fothergill.

From the first time I saw one of her silkscreens, several years ago, I knew this was someone whose language I understood. I sensed a tension between joy and sorrow, love held and love lost... ideas and imagery that can be felt on a level that needs no words.

The image above is a triptych called 'Dreamers'; life size self portraits of the artist dreaming awake and dreaming asleep. I find this an incredibly compelling series. The symbolism is powerful; the flaming lotus flower, roots, serpent and crown all in reference to an unending source of creative energy and imagination...

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The first boot print is called, "Baby's Boot II". The following two are from the "Baby's Boot I" series. These are hand colored silkscreen prints. On a purely visual level, I adore the joyful exuberance of these images. The colors pop on the pure white ground and the graphic crispness of the designs are very appealing to me. (In fact I purchased one of these a few years ago and I just love it).

Susan uses the boot silhouette as an icon; a form onto which femininity's power & softness can be voiced. There is an undeniable energy that radiates from these pieces...



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These last works are a small sampling of her work that uses dresses as imagery. In her different streams she uses both children's and women's garments as subjects. Susan has a love of textiles with a history; lace, veiling, stockings... diaphanous materials that suggest fragments, memories...

This ghostly quality allows for the subtle layering that Susan's work embodies. Old snippets of ribbon & other adornments add a three dimensional element to much of her work. Text is also included on fragments of paper as thoughts are expressed...

There is a haunting aspect to her work but never in a disturbing way. Tragedy, romance, ritual & exploration, strength & vulnerability... all are expressed so beautifully and poetically through Susan's art.




If you are interested in seeing more of or purchasing Susan's work you can email her at:
susanfothergill@sympatico.ca