GET TO KNOW SUZ BORN
Q: WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR VIEWERS AND POTENTIAL CLIENTS FEEL WHEN INTERACTING WITH YOUR WORKS OF ART?
A: My work has been described as “a celebration of the feminine.” I hope my work feels connected to feminine energy that is embracing, honest and graceful. We can all relate to or admire the feminine, the viewer seeing the deep beauty of a floral or individual’s essence is my desire. In abstract work, I hope to capture the feelings in special yet ordinary moments, like observing an exquisite sunset or taking a dip in a pool on a hot summer day. These ordinary moments of joy bring richness to our lives. I do my best work when I have an individual and interior in mind, I thrive off the connection.
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Q: CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THE RETREATS YOU ORGANIZE?
A: I’ve been dreaming about hosting small day retreats for some time now. My good friend Mindy and I have started a day retreat to help cultivate self and soul care that lasts. It's called Retreat Day (retreatdayla.com & @retreatdayla on instagram). We host seasonal retreats centered around the rhythms of nature. Connection, contemplation and creative expression are the pillars explored during a six hour experience. Located in my home, in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, retreats are curated with local food gems and thoughtful gifts - leaving guests feeling full and delighted! Our retreats are led by soul care and creative professionals with the hope attendees gain self-knowledge and compassion for others. Out of this inner and outer exploration we make something beautiful together.
Q: HOW DO YOU BALANCE BEING A MOTHER TO TWO KIDS AND A FULL TIME ARTIST?
A: I don’t know… I’m still figuring it out! My daughter Lucia is in third grade, so I paint while she is at school. Sometimes she paints with me. During COVID-19, I had a very hard time finding space to create and homeschool. My 3 year old, Shep, just started preschool a few hours a week so that’s a game changer! My husband Troy is a musician and we both know how much creativity feeds our souls. We help protect and encourage that space for the other.
Q: WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORKS? ARE THERE SPECIFIC COLORS, PLACES, EXPERIENCES, ETC. THAT YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?
A: Strong and vibrant women inspire me. My grandma Katherine, being one of them, was a draftsman in the 1940’s and had amazing style. I have several of her treasures that I cherish. I think art and design run in my blood. I studied interior design and love spaces that invite connection and have an elegant and timeless aesthetic. I knew I was ready to start sharing my work when I placed a couple pieces in my own home. The movement in dance inspires me, ballet is my favorite visually and flamenco for the emotion. I seek out beauty everywhere and ask myself, “what do I adore?” My rose garden is a constant teacher, inspiring me to build in times for rest and production into my practice. Watching the life cycle of the plant from pruning, to bud, to peak bloom, to fading petals is a lesson in aging gracefully and enjoying every stage of the journey. I love Hawaii for its peaceful and holistic culture. And Southern France for the food and flea markets!
