Today we’d like to introduce you to Sue Klahne.
Sue, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Connecticut and relocated to South Florida in my early twenties. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with a major in Graphic Design. After college, I worked as an Art Director for a local advertising agency. I took some time off to raise my kids and when one of their bedrooms was vacant, it became my art studio and I’ve been painting nonstop ever since.
Although I am trained in a variety of mediums, I am currently working primarily with acrylic and resin, Much of my inspiration comes from my travels, whether to the Blue Ridge Mountains, cruising the blue waters of the Caribbean, or to the turquoise icebergs of Alaska. I adore the color blue, which can be seen throughout my body of work. There’s something magical about painting water and the sea’s creatures.
I am a prolific painter, working out of my home studio in Palm City, Florida, creating work for my business, Sue Klahne Custom Artwork. I have exhibited locally in art festivals, businesses, pop-up shows, galleries, and museums and as a participant in the annual Martin County Open Studio Tour as well as selling my art worldwide. I am grateful to have won awards for my creativity! I am an active member of several local art associations and a Martin Artisan’s Guild board member.
I exhibit regularly in the Guild’s Gallery, The Palm Room Gallery and Artisans Boutique in Harbor Bay Plaza in Sewall’s Point, Florida. I am the curator of our small artisans boutique within the gallery. I am also an advocate for Mental Health and Addiction awareness and aim to educate and break the stigma associated with both.
My art is an integral part of my wellness and it is my desire that my viewer feels the same sense of serenity that the process affords me. I often donate my time as well as a portion of my proceeds to non-profits such as the American Federation for Suicide Prevention, NAMI as well as New Horizons of the Treasure Coast, a local crisis hospital. I believe God has blessed me with a talent and a desire to bless others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Is there any such thing as a smooth road? I truly believe that the difficulties in life are what shape us and strengthen us. I have close people in my life who’ve struggled with severe mental health and addiction issues. I’ve lost someone I cared for to the disease of addiction thus my passion for this cause. Although I don’t always enjoy the ride on the bumpy road, I thank God for my struggles as they have made me the woman I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I joke that I don’t have a lot of BS regarding the meaning behind my art and why I create it. I’m probably most well known for my resin aerial views of the ocean on canvas. I’m often asked if they are photographs. I LOVE what I do and thoroughly enjoy the social aspect of the art scene. I’m driven to create and get lost in the process. This is the reason why I continue to do what I do.
In regards to what sets me apart from other artists…. Hmm, I’m not so special or better than anyone else. I’d say that I do enjoy encouraging other artists and feel that there is room for more than one star in the sky!
My motto is “to always stay humble & kind”.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I enjoy living in the small South Florida town of Palm City. It is still quiet compared to most larger cities and I enjoy the small-town atmosphere. We are close to so many great restaurants, and beaches, and a quick trip South provides access to art and culture beyond our small town.
The only thing I can think of that I do not love about where I live is the summer temperatures & hurricanes. Although both are a trade off for the glorious Florida winter months.
Contact Info:
- Website: Sueklahnecustomartwork.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sueklahnecustomartwork/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sue-Klahne-Custom-Artwork-136668100487205/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC6XoH2MJuR9VXD1UkrluvQw
Image Credits
Ray Kahne
