Susan Fowler - Biography
EARLY YEARS
Susan Fowler (nee Arnold) grew up on a Council estate in Coventry and from humble beginnings went on to qualify as a lawyer. She is now an artist and author living in Cornwall and has become one of the UK’s leading pressed flower artists with her own unique style.
Her original works combining pressed flowers & mixed media on pure silks and satins are now greatly sought after pieces of artwork. Many are held in private collections in the UK and worldwide.
Her journey has been an interesting one and it certainly didn’t come easily. Her autobiography (‘BLUE YONDER – A journey to creative heaven in Cornwall, from lawyer to artist’) has received glowing reviews and explains how she became an artist with detailed insights about her work.
Whilst working as a lawyer, Susan contracted meningitis. Luckily she survived and having been left with epilepsy and a head injury, she sought solace in flower pressing. What started as a therapy has evolved into a stunning, contemporary art form. She is self-taught and her natural, uncontrived, sheer raw style, which comes from the heart, is original and unique. Her larger statement pieces of artwork are known to stop people in their tracks, mesmerised by their impact, flow and sense of depth
MOVE TO CORNWALL
In 2005 Susan moved to Cornwall where the coastline and countryside began to influence her work.
Her work evolved into distinct styles, inspired by the sea, water currents, sunsets/sunrises and the rugged landscape surrounding her home in St Austell, perched high on a hill. Susan’s son became a keen kayaker with a local canoe club. After spending many hours with her son at the local beaches of Porthpean and Charlestown, Susan eventually became Chair of St Austell canoe club where she spent many hours, out of necessity, watching the waves and currents. The shapes formed in the water often find their way into her sea themed work.
COMMISSION YOUR OWN UNIQUE ARTWORK
Are you looking for a stunning statement piece of framed artwork to wow visitors to your home or office? Perhaps you, a friend or family member have some special flowers of your own which you would like to have pressed and made into a contemporary piece of collage art? Susan will be accepting only a limited number of these commissions. Please ask for details and availability via the contact page. Prices start at £1,500.
Penzance
Having sold her work successfully in galleries in St Ives and at major events in Padstow, in 2020 Susan finally opened her own gallery, the ‘Susan Fowler Fine Art Gallery’. The gallery is located in Penzance, Cornwall, in view of St Michael’s Mount where she has also created a character shop called Treasure. There she also provides support and retail space for over 50 makers and artists in Cornwall.
WALLPAPER & FABRICS
Susan is currently working on a more long term project of producing her own collage style wallpaper and fabrics. She is working with a team of graphic designers to fine tune the finished designs. It is hoped these will be available later in 2021. So keep an eye on the website and social media for all news releases.
THE FUTURE
Susan’s work continues to grow and evolve. She is excited about what future designs Cornwall will next inspire her to do! She plans to use more pure silks and some of the most beautiful light catching fabrics, which add a unique lustre and depth to her artwork. So keep watching!