Susan Fraser-Hughes 2/26/21 Susan Fraser-Hughes 2/26/21

PODCAST

Today, I had the pleasure of talking with Max Zheng, Great Life Coach, Founder and CEO at Human Prosperity Inc. Max provided me the opportunity to discuss my life story, how I came to be an artist, the reasons behind the type of art I create, and the challenges and highlights I have experienced along the way.

Max brings a wonderful sense of support and positive energy to the table when he interviews. You can connect with Max at: linkedin.com/in/maxzheng

The podcast can be heard at:

https://podcast.hp.show/artist-susan-fraser-hughes

The Youtube version is available at https://lnkd.in/geNSnWV

Susan Fraser-Hughes 1/29/21 Susan Fraser-Hughes 1/29/21

A LITTLE ABOUT MY PROCESS

It is always interesting for me to step back at the end of a series, and think about the how, what and why. What initially brought the series about? How did it develop? Why?

My series of works always begins with a reaction: a reaction to place, either landscape or architectural, or sometimes a reaction to an object. This reaction is always immediate, and visceral, a deep connection that resonates with my being, and stays with me ever after. So deep is this connection, it finds a way of niggling at my memory, representing itself again and again until I feel compelled to address it visually. Thus was the case with the rocks of Saturna.

I have visited Saturna Island for five years. Over the course of these five years, I have photographed the incredible rock formations that line the coast. Early morning, late afternoon, sometimes during the heat of the day, I have sat upon these rocks and felt their energy, watched as they gently converse, with the water, and with the wildlife that comes to visit. Large, quiet, sentient beings, shaped by time and through intimate connections.

I began studying the rocks by focusing on the shape of the formations as silhouetted against the backdrop of the sea. As with any intentions, although the shape of the forms remained first and foremost as my focus, the energy of the rocks seemed to take center stage. So drawn by the energy of the small drawings, I decided to take my studies into a larger scale. Once again, my intentions, and the eventuating results, were completely different. My second series, the Inner Landscape series, immediately directed me towards a deeper, quieter place. The drawings in this series are about connection, the deep connection and sense of peace I feel, when I sit with the rocks of Saturna.

I have one more series yet to come. Where this series will take me, is anybody’s guess. I just know it is, of necessity.

Susan Fraser-Hughes 9/9/20 Susan Fraser-Hughes 9/9/20

STEPPING AWAY

We recently spent a week on one of our favourite local BC islands, Saturna. We have been visiting Saturna for five years now. It an escape we all look forward to, but after the events of this year, we were counting down the days.

Saturna, is a ferry ride away from all that is busy, commercial, and this year, anxiety causing. As soon as we arrived, we just took a moment to breathe. It really is a beautiful place.

What did we do on Saturna? We ran, walked, hiked, kayaked, talked, played games and read. But for most part, we just absorbed its peaceful energy, and incredible scenery.

Such a treat to step away, even if only for a week.

Susan Fraser-Hughes 8/11/20 Susan Fraser-Hughes 8/11/20

LOOKING FORWARD

Anxiety is such a debilitating emotion. It has the power to overwhelm everyday living.

I have dealt with anxiety in the past. I still experience pockets today. But seeing my young son develop anxiety in response to the past few months, has been heart wrenching. We have been working on developing tools to which he can turn when he feels the need. Key in this tool set; open and honest conversations.

I began my series Looking Forward, knowing I wanted to explore the relationship between two people. I never dreamed it would develop into my exploring my own anxiety in relation to my son’s: my talking with him, him talking with me, our listening to one another and to the conversations happening around us. Being open to learning, adapting, and to making change.