Suzanne Kubach

My designs emerge from my soul and intuition—my sense of wonder. My most recent abstract works explore energy and movement in the style of abstract lyricism and abstract landscape. Some bring an atmospheric quality while others convey the same dynamic flow found in wood grains, veins through natural stone, or a creek bed when the water ebbs. Other pieces convey an evocative sense of place, perhaps in the vibe of an old-world city, of the mood of a rainy day in New York, or in the swirl of a holiday fete.

I work primarily in acrylic with occasional contributions of other media. I build designs in multiple layers of paint, creating rich textures and understory. Painting on birch panels enable me to sand, scratch or scrub layers back to reveal some of that understory. I begin with a sense of play, being mindful of marks that most delight me, then I follow that trail. (Often, it’s the happy accidents!) I know my work nears completion when I sense a connection to some metaphor, memory, or atmosphere. At that point, I stand back with more discernment to examine principles of design, and to edit or eliminate details that distract the eye.

I am also a writer, so an added lyrical element in my work comes through the titles of my paintings, which all suggest stories. I also share short stories about each creation on Social Media, so please follow if you appreciate a good yarn.

I’ve had various creative interests throughout my life, including photography, interior design, landscape design, stained-glass window design, and other creative passions. I began my formal painting practice early in 2022. I consider myself a “self-taught” artist in that I hold no formal degree in art, though I’ve benefited mightily from workshops over the years, and particularly through intensive coaching and other feedback from artists all over the world through the Art2Life Academy, of which I’ve been a member since 2022. I’ve released over 130 works for sale. (Four were commissioned.) Almost half have found homes with collectors. Most recently, 31 pieces of my work were featured in a two-artist exhibition at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum called, “Let Nature Lead.” My work has also been on view in solo shows (Dec 2022 and Spring 2023) and as a featured artist (fall of 2023) in shows at The Great River Gallery.

I’ve traveled extensively and for fifteen years called California home, though I was born in St. Paul and returned to the Twin Cities in 2005. I currently live in Highland Park with the world’s smallest cat (and STK Studios marketing intern) called Tidbit.