Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzanne Barton.
Hi Suzanne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, I got the proverbial “sand in my shoes” and moved to South Florida at age 20 and realized my affinity for being near water. I had a childhood passion for photography, and although self-taught I drew the attention of renowned portrait photographer Willie L. Hill, who mentored me in the art and became my teacher, friend, and critic, remaining a steadfast supporter.
I started a successful career in professional photography in 1985. In 2015, a local gallery owner, asked if I ever produced underwater images. As one “ever ready to take a challenge” and “step out of my comfort zone”, I accepted. I started experimenting and fell in love with this medium. My first foray into the depth and serenity of this underwater world spawned my elegant, ethereal Tiny Dancer Underwater Art Series.
“The grace and fluidity of movement, the soothing quiet, and calm beneath the surface, along with the weightless suspension as my subject floated to the surface, left me transformed. I witnessed the perfect communion between a dancer’s heart and the inspirational wisdom of water: Water takes the form in which it is held and moves in the path of least resistance.” That same year, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines commissioned two of my Underwater Fine Art pieces for their newest Oasis Class ship, Harmony of the Seas.
The pieces are a permanent part of the onboard International Art Collection, seen in over 250 ports of call worldwide. To date, I have been in over 85 juried and solo exhibits, featured in 15 publications, and represented in galleries located in Florida, South Carolina, and Ohio.
My newest creative venture, Mythical Maidens, is an attempt to honor the Old Masters, under the surface. I want to join them in the modern world through multimedia backgrounds with original alcohol inks and acrylics I have created on canvas. I envision my artwork as an integral part of healing centers and used for charitable causes, such as bringing fresh drinking water to areas in need and advancing awareness of the importance of protecting this vital, life-giving resource. I share my time and talents with many charities. The fight against cancer, along with children, animal, and family charities are near and dear to my heart.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Although Underwater Photography presents challenges with lighting, control of movements, etc, the spontaneity of following the energy and capturing ephemeral moments that in and of themselves create a lasting emotional resonance is what I LOVE! I think a lot of artists face the challenges of marketing their work, so they can afford to keep creating. So I am thankful for opportunities such as this venue, to spotlight my work and hopefully open up avenues to collectors!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My childhood passion for photography and my affinity for water spawned my Underwater Fine Art Series. A new emotional resonance is uncovered by every movement that I capture “below the surface”. Water is vital to life as we know it. It supports us in the womb, energizes, purifies, and cleanses. Water symbolizes purity, clarity, growth, illumination, and transformation. Our bodies average 70% water and our blue planet slightly more.
The feeling of enhanced well-being around water is universal to all. This effect, known as Blue Mind, reduces stress and anxiety. I want to ignite the blue mind by nudging the human relationship with water. I nudge this symbiotic relationship forward one splash at a time.
As an artist, my expression is found in unique combinations of color, design, and form. As a Healing Arts Practitioner, I am inspired by the energy of color and design and create art by following this energy. The use of color and design affects our psychology and therefore our physiology Art is Healing. The secret language of color energy, can heal your emotions, heal your body, and give you intuitive insights, all while igniting your creativity and transforming your life.
The Life Force- Water- is healing as well. After an extensive underwater shoot, I go about editing the images to find the perfect one. When I see it I just know it. Then I begin adding artistic touches to bring the image to life. Tiny Dancer Underwater Series is infused on metal and coated with hand-poured resin. The Mythical Maiden Series is committed to gallery canvas. I create art for galleries and do commission work as well. I hope my art brings joy to your senses and leaves you transformed as well.
What makes you happy?
Happiness isn’t having what you want- It is wanting what you have. The joy and passion I feel when creating my art are my driving force. Immersion in my art and following the energy is my happy place and can best be described in the original poem, a friend wrote describing me and my art:
It is called : L’acqua e la Vita
L’acqua e la Vita
In, around, through,
sensation suspended in
the essence of life,
where art and artist blur and merge,
until it is simply impossible,
utterly undesirable,
to determine where one begins
or the other ends
in a world so ancient that
ever retains genesis
as I float and dance,
twist and turn
with no thought
to what comes next,
lost in the moment,
found in the next.
(RJ Durborow)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Underwater-Fine-Art.com; https://www.SuzanneBartonFineArt.com and https://www.SuzanneBarton.com
- Instagram: @SuzanneBartonFineArt
- Facebook: @Suzanne Barton Photography
