The widely travelled NRI artist Susan Alice Lobo is set to inaugurate her first, solo art exhibition in Goa featuring 25 frames of only nudes at the Carpe Diem Art Gallery in Majorda. In a brief chat with TG-LIFE, the artist expresses hope that her art will be appreciated in Goa
TG-Life: When did you start painting? Did you paint as a child, in school, college?
Susan: I began officially painting only in 2001. However, I began as a child and won numerous art competitions in school and even came second in the All-Delhi Christian poster competition in 1987. But I did not paint again in college and restarted only around 1998.
TGL: Does art and painting relax you? What happens when you start painting and complete an artwork?
Susan: Painting rejuvenates me. It is a passion. I am fortunate that I am able to transform my perspective into a form that people can appreciate.
TGL: Is painting more interesting than international travel or being a flight attendant?
Susan: I live to travel. It is in my bones with the army/ airline and expat background I am once again blessed. I have visited so many cultures that has inspired my style and concept of art. I use my global nomadic experiences in my themes and use my Japanese sumi-e, ink wash style as well as Chinese brush style.
TGL: Why did you choose to paint nudes? Is it the same as painting a landscape? Does your mindset change?
Susan: I chose the female form to paint because I felt it is beauty undefined- sensual yet elegant. I wanted a bolder theme and felt Goa was a good place to start the unveiling. I usually study the topic I wish to paint, then draw from my own photography and other sources that made an impression on me. Only then do I make a rough sketch. Once I establish a view point, I draw directly on the paper or canvas-free hand and work on one piece at a time till it is completed. If I am satisfied then I keep it, otherwise I crumble it up and restart from scratch!
TGL: What is your message to potential Goan patrons?
Susan: In India we need to change our mindset of viewing human form as objects and learn to honour and respect the divine female goddess in each of us.
TGL: What’s the message behind your paintings
Clothes are just fashion and distraction. One must remove the veil of harshness and hence I feel nudity is the purest way to be perceived without distraction. I use shadows and colour to softly cloak the curves of the female form.
