which the steadfast heart will conquer, and the large mind transcend.”
I had the pleasure and good fortune of visiting Susan Farrow in her studio in the Farrow Gallery in Castleton, Vermont yesterday. Susan and her husband, renowned sculptor Patrick Farrow have transformed the space of an elegant old church into a gallery of fine art. Patrick's elegant, elongated bronze figures defy gravity. Walking into the soaring chapel, I was struck by the resonance and appropriateness of ART filling the room with grace and beauty.
It would have been easy to spend hours in the gallery. The work is diverse and fascinating. But I was on a mission: to visit Susan in her studio.
Steadfast is the word that comes to mind when I think of Susan. Steadfast, calm and dedicated to her muse, to her politics, to her family, community and friends.
Her art is based on very sound understanding and integration of her message and materials. There's a certain amount of whimsey and irony, as well. No pun intended- many of the pieces are constructed using luscious scraps of corroded metal and other found objects. Rich and fascinating color and texture become Susan's palette.
In her artist's statement she speaks of a deliberate turn to playfulness- seeking the joyfulness within. This is visible in her work, as is her intelligence… the juxtaposition of politics and wry humor give each piece depth, beyond their physical presence.
I always feel more calm, hopeful and inspired to get to work after seeing her.
Which is what I'm going to do right now!
