Suz Stovall - Finding Peace

I create mixed media abstract paintings that are guided by emotion and intuition rather than predetermined outcomes. Each piece begins as an open exploration, allowing feeling, movement, and material to lead the process. I work on canvas, paper, and cradled panels, building surfaces through many layers of paint that are added, scraped back, and reworked over time.

Layering is central to my practice. By adding and subtracting paint, I expose traces of earlier decisions, revealing the history of the piece and the emotional shifts that occurred during its creation. Collage elements are often introduced, including Japanese papers, gold and silver foil, and ink, which add texture, contrast, and quiet moments of reflection within the work. Acrylic paint allows for flexibility and spontaneity, supporting my intuitive approach.

For me, painting is a meditative act. The process brings a sense of peace and draws me into a calm, focused state where time slows and intuition takes over. My work is less about representing a specific subject and more about capturing an emotional experience, inviting the viewer to connect with the layers, materials, and quiet energy within each piece.

Why gold and silver foil:
The gold foil brings warm and soothing vibrations to the body that can aid healing. In spiritual practices, silver acts as a protective shield against negative energies.