We've been friends with Susan (@pourgirlart) for a long time now and are constantly amazed by her creativity and versatility. Her geode work is next level as is her tumbler art, preserved bouquets and creative trays... wow! Not surprisingly we have several of her pieces! Love, love, love. We hope you enjoy this interview - her talents extend well beyond what you may imagine!
What got you into resin and fluid art?
When I found fluid art I was making 1/12th scale miniatures. I had a client who wanted mini cafe tables with artful tops. That led me to acrylic pouring, which was my first exploration into fluid art.
I needed to seal them and was searching through YouTube for ideas when I ran across some pour artists sealing paintings with resin. That led to videos of resin artists and I knew I had to try it.
Do you have a favorite art form?
Resin is my favorite because there’s a lot that goes into it and it’s very challenging. It takes a lot of practice and there are so many techniques involved.
Tell us a bit more about your geode process.
When I start a new geode painting I begin with a basic idea. Usually I see a canvas and it sparks an idea. Next I chose a color palette. I prefer to use 3-4 colors, often varying shades of the same color with a neutral and a metallic.
From there, I brainstorm different ideas about layout, textures and techniques.
Once I’ve got my ideas planned out, I create. I prefer to paint color guides on my canvas so I have the basic resin to follow. Then I start pouring. I layer a minimum of three layers of resin, followed by a top coat.
My color palette is The Geode Art Collection that I created for Meyspring. I spent months testing colors to find the perfect combination of 6 pigment powders, 2 metallic powders and 2 fine glitters. Each color coordinates with every color in the set, taking the guesswork out of creating color combinations for your artwork.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Honestly, my best, most creative ideas come from experimenting with new ideas and techniques.
What is your favorite part of the process?
The actual mixing the colors and pouring. I get completely lost in the process, all of my stress melts away and all that I think about is the piece I’m working on.
What is your least favorite part of the process?
Cleaning up after. I can’t create in a messy environment. Clutter stagnates the creative process. But I really don’t like doing it.
Was there ever a piece of art you sold that you wished you hadn’t?
The short answer is no. There are pieces that we all love more than others. But I do a lot of commission pieces. So I know from the beginning that I won’t be keeping them. Art is meant to be shared.
What advice would you give up and coming artists?
First, create art you love. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. You will never reach your potential by creating what you think other people will like.
Second, practice your art obsessively. When I started, I poured resin everyday. I wasn’t always making art, a lot of the time I was experimenting with techniques, different colorants, and how to manipulate the resin with heat and air.
And finally, don’t be afraid to try different mediums. Try acrylic pouring, watercolor painting, mixed media, anything that interests you. Give it a go. You might discover something you love. Or you might discover a new technique for an art form you already love.
Check out Susan's work for more ideas and inspiration:
IG @pourgirlart
Her Meyspring Geode Collection of pugmeis available at https://www.meyspring.com/?ref=6