Susie Rosso Wolf, an American artist born in 1956 under the Californian sun of Santa Monica, has crafted a remarkable journey of creativity and resilience. Often known as SR Wolf, her artistic evolution is a testament to passion, determination, and an unwavering love for the craft. From her formative years at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) to her current sanctuary amidst the tranquil landscapes of rural Montana, Wolf’s artistic trajectory has been marked by a deep connection to nature and a profound exploration of the world around her.
Wolf’s artistic odyssey commenced within the hallowed halls of CalArts, where the pages of Art History textbooks sparked a profound fascination with the possibilities of artistic expression. Despite the twists and turns that followed, including life’s inevitable detours, Wolf’s resolve to pursue her artistic dreams remained unshakeable. It is this tenacity that eventually led her to the serene expanses of Montana, where she now resides and creates.
In her Montana studio, nestled amidst the beauty of nature, Wolf finds inspiration aplenty. Here, surrounded by the abstract beauty of her surroundings, she channels her creativity into vibrant works of art that capture the essence of the world around her. Rooted in her love for nature, Wolf’s pieces serve as visual narratives, inviting viewers to embark on a journey through her eyes.
One such artwork is “The Wheat of Wheatland,” an 18 x 30-inch acrylic and oils on paper creation that embodies the essence of Wolf’s surroundings. With bold brushstrokes and vivid colors, she captures the enchanting play of light on wheat shafts and grasses under the expansive Montana sky. It’s a testament to Wolf’s ability to translate the beauty of her environment into captivating visual stories that resonate with viewers on a profound level.
Susie Rosso Wolf’s art is more than just a reflection of her surroundings; it’s a reflection of her soul—a testament to her journey, her passion, and her unique perspective on the world. With each stroke of the brush, she invites us to pause, to ponder, and to marvel at the beauty that surrounds us, reminding us of the profound connection between art and life.
Here is our recent interview with her.
1. What inspired your latest collection of artwork?
My latest collection of work is inspired by intuition. Deep senses of wonder haunt me when I begin a new series. When choosing a subject I ask myself, what’s it like up there? Or, do the trees have feelings? Do they feel pain when the ten year drought is trying to kill them? I ask myself those questions every time I approach a blank canvas. When I’m looking out my kitchen window and notice that the bark on my Russian Olive tree is beginning to peel away, it’s my intuition that tells my heart that I’ve got to paint that. To paint the healing pain of an old and weary tree…
2. How do you maintain creative authenticity while exploring different styles or mediums?
I maintain creative authenticity by never trying to paint like anyone else. It’s that simple. I create my own compositions from my imagination and my experiences and do not allow any other artists to influence my work, with the exception of teachers I have studied with.
3. Could you share a significant moment or experience that shaped your artistic journey?
Yes. The most significant experience that has influenced my artistic journey was when I was a very young girl, five or six years old, my mother planted hundreds of Gladioli bulbs in the soil along three out of four walls of our garage that faced the back yard. Living very close to the Pacific Ocean, the salty air coming in from the beach was a significant source of natural food, vitamins and moisture. The Gladioli bulbs sprouted and grew more than seven feet tall. The bright orange and magenta colors captivated me. I remember working in the garden with my mother and picking up a long stem of a glad, then stroking my face with the long, spear-like flower. It was so soft and soothing. In about 2019-2020 I began to plan the composition in my sketchbook. I was afraid I would fail, would not capture the images that continued to dance in my head all these years later. Finally, one night in my book, I became “loose.” I finally allowed myself to be an artist and not a daughter. At that moment, I could see them. And then a miracle happened…Rosann’s Tone Poem.
4. What role do you believe art plays in society today, and how does your work contribute to that?
I believe that art plays a critical role in society. Art diverts emotion. Art creates emotion. Art, in and of itself, is emotion. Emotion is what an artist strives for. Much like a singer who is attempting to hit the high notes so beautifully that her audience will try to copy those notes, the singer is achieving her attempt to stir emotions with the delivery of her song. In art, it runs even much deeper than that: Every stroke of the brush has hundreds of years of contemplation in its history. The painter is motionless, studying, wondering, contemplating what comes next on the panel? Because of that depth of contemplation, art naturally becomes an influencer due to the mystery within the bones of the canvas. Art, when absorbed by the heart and the mind, can change a rage into peace.
Throughout my art journey I’ve received many comments about my work. Comments such as, “It’s so beautiful,” or “I can’t stop looking at it,” or “I’m so happy I bought this from you, but it should be in a museum.” Comments like that tell me that I am bringing joy to my art loving community. I am making an impact on people who love art and collect art. I am particularly pleased with the comments on my most abstract, abstracts. This gives me hope that students in art school may be influenced by my work to give abstraction a try. Additionally, my work has opened the minds of many people in Montana who collect Western art of cowboys, Indians and wolves. To be able to influence a pattern of preference is an enormous compliment.
