Artist of the Month Sue Jackson
Marsha Lyons
I met Sue Jackson in 2004 when I was visiting PebbleCreek to see about possibly moving here. She came out of the Art Room, which is now the Activities Office, where she was so enthusiastic about all that was available to do in the area of art here at PebbleCreek. Right then she helped sell this community to both my sister and to me. This busy lady is a talented artist and is deserving of being named the October Artist of the Month by the PebbleCreek Art Club.
For as long as Sue can remember she has been creating art. While at home with three small children she sewed, quilted, knitted, did embroidery, and needlepoint designs and drawing and paintings in various mediums.
After moving here in 2001 she took painting classes and started doing stained glass. As she did in other mediums, Sue also eventually began teaching stained glass. She was one of the first in this community to do gourd art where she used a variety of techniques including pyro engraving, carving, weaving, beading and painting. She says, “Gourds are fun to work with because each one is unique and anything goes.”
In addition to gourds Sue began experimenting with pastels, watercolor, acrylics, collage, stained glass, fused glass, zentangle, knitting, wood burning, basketry and carving. She loves to experiment and PebbleCreek certainly provides her with that opportunity and with many, many other artists to encourage and inspire.
Most recently she has added colored pencil to her art bag. Sue decided to try family portraits which she claims have been the most rewarding pieces she has ever done. She has three sons as well as three granddaughters, one of whom is shown in her painting here. Her goal is to do a portrait of each one. Anyone who has done portraits knows it is hardest to do those you know well, but that doesn’t seem to be the case with Sue as each portrait I have seen that she has done of her family has been outstanding. You can’t help yourself but to stop and look at them.
Sue doesn’t just do art: she has been very involved in helping our art community here at PebbleCreek grow. She served for many years on the Creative Arts Committee and now works for our community as the Creative Arts Coordinator which includes managing the Expressions Gallery and Gift Shop as well as the Creative Arts Building. I am glad she has carved out time to continue with her art, growing her talent and sharing it with us.
Be sure and come by the Creative Arts Building and check out Sue’s work in the Artist of the Month display.