Fine Artist: Artist Bio

Susan Putnam’s initial education was in Biochemistry. She worked as a research biochemist at the University of California San Francisco for sixteen years before discarding science for art. Her formal art education included programs at Parsons School of Design and The Fabric workshop, both in New York City. She received a Certificate in Surface Design from the Pacific Basin School of Textile Arts in Berkeley California. During her training she became interested in silk-screening as a primary means of creating imagery. Her compositions contain photo images as well as freehand drawing and painting. Ms. Putnam was born in Santa Monica California and presently resides in San Rafael California. Her work has been shown throughout the Bay Area.

Artist Statement

Why do I do this? The question is always there. I answer by saying I am pushing for something to happen, something to surprise me. To work without preconditions. To just let ‘IT’ happen. The process is a reflection of present time and space and the outcome is always unpredictable. My art combines surface design, drawing, photo images and surprises. I use dyes primarily, but incorporate Caran d’ache and conte crayons where fine lines and accent colors are needed. Silk is my canvas. Where my inspiration comes from is a mystery to me. After observing so many artists work over the years I know that my work is certainly going to reflect something from the many images I have witnessed. Yet, when I see a composition of mine completed I know it is a reflection of something from within me.