Susan Adame

Artist Statement:

It is my intention for my work to be a positive influence in their environment and on those who view it. I incorporate shapes and patterns that I feel give my work a sense of grounding, unity and strength.

I strive to create collage compositions that have balance and harmony while retaining a feeling of movement or flowing. I use a rich diversity of textures and materials assembled to create a sense of overall unity. I prefer to work in a series and make pieces that can work well together when hung in close proximity to each other.

My collages consist of contemporary abstract compositions suspended in pools of color and texture. I incorporate fine details so that the viewer is invited to linger. I also make sure that from a distance you can see a strong abstract composition and as you approach you are engaged by the added depth from the underlying layers.   The collages are created on watercolor paintings which I create to establish a feeling of movement or flow as well as to give the art depth, cohesion and dimension. When creating commission works I use elements specific to the site and that satisfy the clients individual needs. In public art it is my intention to inspire the public to see their connection to the community as well as have a personal positive experience.

I love the medium of collage for the variety of possibilities arising from the use of materials, patterns, colors and textures. I create most of the paper used in my collages from scans that I make of fabric, I then enlarge and change the colors to fit my specific needs. I use Giclee quality paper and printing methods in the creation of the paper that I then tear up to use in my work. The edges of the papers and the flowing placement of pieces are crucial to my overall composition.  I sometimes incorporate imported papers and skeletal leaves for their transparent qualities, but the dominate design elements are the strong patterns and colors that I can personally create for each piece.

Susan Adame began her love for art when as a child she would draw late into the night. She has had a passion for exploring art that has included working in clay, mixed media, sculpture, glass, paint, collage and more. Her interest in painting has spanned 30 years. Her education has included a BFA from Chico State University, a degree in textile design from the California School of Professional Fabric Design, a degree in Public Art from the Northern California Public Art Academy and she received a 4th level degree in Sogetsu Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging).  She also worked as a freelance artist in San Francisco for over 10 years which gave her valuable experience collaborating with clients on custom art projects.

Currently Susan has been painting and creating collages. She has had an increasing interest in paintings in recent years. The collages are a delight for Susan to create. She feels that she has found a medium that suits her very well. She intends her work to have a positive influence in their environment. Many of her collages are being sold through art consultants who often place them in medical institutions and corporate buildings. She welcomes commissions. Susan continues to show at local and national art exhibitions. Her work has been very successful at the SFMOMA Artists Gallery. She also sells her work at the ACCI Gallery in Berkeley where she is a current member of the board of directors. Robert Allen Gallery in Sausalito is another local art gallery that carries Susan Adame collages.