Susan Carlisle Bell
Professor, Gardner-Webb University
Artist Statement

“Extraordinary Ordinaries”, the title of a recent exhibition, expresses my approach to art. Whether drawing or painting, my work is grounded in the principles I have learned from extensive historical studies of the masters. The composition of Cezanne and Matisse, the figures of Degas, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, the exuberant color of Wolf Kahn landscapes, the spiritual insight of Tanner and Chagall inspire and challenge me. My subjects are the ordinary- people, places, objects. My hope is that through composition, color, and the play of light, I might help others see the extraordinary beauty or design in these ordinaries.I want my work to reflect my faith in a loving Creator. Watercolor, pastels and collage are my primary media. My father’s Virginia farm has been a recurring motif, each hill and valley are known as surely as I am known. The human figure is capable of expressing every emotion and movement. Still life compositions become active plays of color, shape and light. Expressive subjective palettes alternate with restricted one value studies. I am a teacher; I love to learn, explore, experiment, share. I believe that also explains why I am interested in so many styles, media and motifs. My desire is that the respect that I have for these subjects imbues them with the significance that all living things have. Because of the Creator, aren’t we all “Extraordinary Ordinaries”?

114 Hillside Drive
Shelby, NC 28150
704-484-0321

scb [at] carolina.rr.com