Blue Yonder and Beyond

Discovering the work of Susan Fowler; one of the country’s leading contemporary textile, pressed flower and mixed media artists.

Susan Fowler wasn’t always an artist. Whilst practising as a commercial property lawyer, she contracted meningitis which left her with a head injury and epilepsy. Uniquely, this was to be the catalyst for the start of her career as a self-taught artist. “I started to press flowers as therapy during my recovery,” says Susan. “The epilepsy also triggered an acute awareness of light, colour and texture which has now become a prominent feature of my work.” Susan’s specialism is pressed flora and seaweed, combined with textiles and mixed media. Flora is picked from her own Cornish garden or sourced from local suppliers, with windswept local seaweed foraged from Cornish shores. These are laid on luxurious silks and satins with light-catching mixed media that includes precious stones, pearls, fishing net and shells from local fishermen. “I always buy my fabric in person, whether that be in the UK or on my travels through Cyprus and Spain,” Susan explains. 

Susan’s influences come from the sea, skies, water currents, sunsets, sunrises and the intricate shapes of tree branches and bark. “I’m inspired by Cornwall’s coastline where there is always a place to find calm and quiet solitude, whilst at the same time being surrounded by the most powerful movements in nature. The sea, skies, winds and life itself are always moving, changing and evolving,” adds Susan. “This feeds into my artwork, which is evocative of Cornwall’s everchanging mood, heart and soul – a place where dreams are made and creativity comes to life.”

Never one to rest on her laurels, Susan has exciting plans for the year ahead. She will be holding a solo exhibition and fundraiser for the MND Association on September 20th 2025 at Tregenna Castle, St Ives. “This ticketed event, which includes a delicious meal, will be an evening where people can spend time looking at my work and learning more about what I do. I will also be busy attending other fairs, exhibitions and book signings throughout the year as well as spending time in my home studio to work on new original artwork, where I’ll be experimenting with unique fabrics, more mixed media and also expanding my use of colour.” Latest artwork and details of events and signings can be found on Susan’s new gallery website.

SUSAN FOWLER
07799 160638
info@susanfowler.co.uk
www.susanfowlergallery.com