In my expressive, figurative works, predominately in oil, pastel and watercolor, I seek to look beyond the obvious materialized form into our 'common' human drama of intangible states.

Pastels and watercolors lend themselves well to creating on site locations.  In addition to my state of mind and being, uncontrolled energies; people, symbolism, sound, temperature and chance occurrences make their contributions by influencing composition, color, vigor or sensitivity of applied marks, as well as the direction of each work.  I often find a message during the process or after completion.

Rather than actual observed depictions the focus of long-term paintings is on reflections, beliefs and desires.  Symbols and images are mainly a composite of memory and sub-conscious states.  "Site" drawings also serve as visual and emotive reference.

I am continually intrigued by the unfolding inspiration in our environment and focus on the challenge of capturing its spirit.

Susan Fossati