In 2004 I had the pleasure of writing an article about artists in the state of Idaho. There I met a wonderful watercolor artist by the name of Susan Kirsch.

Here is some insight into her world from the interview I had with her.

How did you start painting? How long have you been painting?

Seven years ago, I had returned to the United States after living in Taiwan. My husband and I moved to Taiwan in 1995 when he was employed by Vanguard International Semiconductor. He

worked for them for three years and then they started a branch in San Jose California. For a few years he telecommuted with Taiwan and San Jose. When Vanguard closed their US opperations, my husband joined Micron here in Boise.

My husband (and furniture) was still there wrapping up business. Without someone to talk to and furniture to dust I found myself with free time. I decided to do something I had always wanted to

do -- take a watercolor class. I joined an adult education class at the high school and have been hooked on painting ever since.

What inspires you when you create?

I am inspired by the beauty of things around me. The way the light reveals things. The changes of the seasons. The cyclical nature of life. Life experiences. Shapes, colors. I am also inspired by

words. Sometimes when I hear snippets of conversations, I visualize colors and patterns that I later put into a painting.

How often do work on your art? Once a week? Everyday? Is it your occupation? If so, is it full time? Part time?

I try to paint as often as I can. Sometimes this means everyday. The first two years I painted, I painted seven days a week every week. Now, other aspects of art (sales, framing, taking art to be displayed art shows) actually take time away from painting. I am lucky to be able to do art without having another outside job.

Have you won any awards?

Shows and Exhibitions:

May, 1997 Waterloo Watercolor Group Membership Show, Austin, TX

June, 1998 Waterloo Watercolor Group Juried Show, Merit Award, Austin, TX

October, 1998 Waterloo Watercolor Show Membership Show, Austin, TX

May, 1999 Waterloo Watercolor Show Juried Show, Austin, TX

October, 1999 Waterloo Watercolor Group Membership Show, Austin, TX

December, 1999 Ghost Ranch Exhibition, Dougherty Center for the Arts, Austin, TX

May, 2000 Sabor Art Gallery Show, San Antonio, Texas

April, 2001 Nampa Art Guild, Membership Show, Nampa, ID

October, 2001 Nampa Art Guild Juried Show, Nampa, ID

April, 2002, Nampa Art Gulild Membership Show 1st Place, & 2nd Place Ribbons

September 2002, Idaho Watercolor Society Southwest Region Show, Nampa Civic

Center, Nampa, ID

August, 2002 Western Idaho Fair 2 Honorable Mentions, Boise, ID

November, 2002 Nampa Art Guild Juried Show Merit Award, Nampa, ID

August 2002 Idaho Watercolor Society Southwest Region Show, Idaho Historical

Society, Boise, ID

May, 2003 Nampa Art Guild Membership Show Best of Show "Autumn Splendor",

Nampa Civic Center, Nampa, ID

June, 2003 Idaho Watercolor Society Juried Show "Arrows of Time" Chosen for

Traveling Show

August, 2003 Western Idaho Fair, Boise, ID

1 Second Place, Professional Division, Contemporary, "Light at the End of the Tunnel"

2 Third Place, Professional Division, Floral & Still Life- "Autumn Splendor"

3 Honorable Mention, Professional Division

October, 2003 Salmon River Art Show

Honorable Mention, "New Day"

April, 2004, Idaho Watercolor Society Juried Show

May 2004 Nampa Art Guild Member Show 2nd place for "Crossroads"

Member of Art Source Gallery, 1025 Main Street, Boise, Idaho

Member: Idaho Watercolor Society

Nampa Art Guild

Centennial Art Group

How often do you sell your work?

I have art displayed for sale year round and I do a couple of shows in the summer.

Do you find that living in a small town helps you creativity?

I feel I could be creative anywhere I live, but I find Eagle, Idaho a very condusive environment. We have a pond behind our house where I can see wildlife. There is the wonderful Idaho sunshine and change of seasons(much appreciated after living in places where there weren't four distinctive seasons.) I love hearing the red-winged blackbirds and the frogs. It has a very calming effect. Like all is well in my little corner of the world.

Kirsch's Artist Statement:

To be an artist is to be an observer. My watercolors are expressions of my observations, reactions and impressions of natural and man-made objects. Many subjects interest me and I try to emphasize a mood or what seems interesting or unique. I also like experimenting with color to find combinations that set up a vibrancy. A successful painting is the product of years of thought and practice and a few hours of inspiration.

You can see Susan's work at: http://www.artsourcegallery.com/SusanK.htm