Wednesday Women to Watch For: Susan Beallor Snyder

What a gift to hear these words from my beloved and long-term client Susan Beallor Snyder:

“I actually know what I want, what makes me happy. I am so at peace, so at home. I know what my purpose is: to create art and to bring beauty into the world.”

Susan and I have been connected for well over a decade (maybe two!) and have worked on and off during that period through multiple transitions–her move from Connecticut to Atlanta, back to Connecticut, and more recently into New York City as well as to establishing a studio in Maine.

A turning point for Susan was when she accepted my challenge to commit to just one of her multiple talents. She already excelled at fine jewelry-making, photography, painting, and collage when she happened upon rope as a medium. I asked her what it would be like to work only with rope for 90 days. Without hesitation, she allowed herself the luxury of focus, and the rest is history. She was commissioned to create a wall-sized sculpture for a building in DC and is represented in several private collections as well.

Last May Susan participated in the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) at the Javits Center and was discovered by national brands, galleries, and art distributors. She received a massive order for her wall hangings which will be available for sale to the public Fall ’19. The top photo (by Pam Einarsen) shows several of the pieces she’s created for that order. Her jubilation is evident in the energy of this photo.

While she works on her pieces Susan listens to podcasts and watches documentaries about artists. “It’s all cumulative,” she says of her knowledge base and skills. She’s living exactly the life she’s always wanted: producing art and earning income.

Some of my artistic clients express a fear of being selfish because they’re so happy in their chosen field. I reflect back to them what a wise woman said to me in the heart of my art career. “You put out so much positive energy doing the work you do. That’s a gift to the world around you.” I’ve never forgotten the truth of those words and frequently pass them onto my clients who are gleefully engaged in the work of their own hands.

There is nothing selfish about sharing your art with the world. Anyone who works in this way also knows the self-doubt and fear that accompany every creative endeavor. A by-product of your art is feeding your soul and all of those around you by extension.