Artist: Susan LaMantia

Title: What is This Thing Called Love?

Date: 2019

Media: acrylic on canvas mounted on wood

Dimensions: 16" x 16"

"I have been an exhibiting artist for over 50 years. My artwork has been shown in various venues throughout the USA as well as in Vienna Austria, Mallorca Spain, and London England. It seems that I have always been a painter. When I was a little girl I was fortunate to take private art lessons and then classes at the Art Institute in Chicago. An Arts degree from Florida State University followed by studies in painting at UNC-Greensboro, as well as a MA degree in Art Therapy from Lindenwood College in St. Louis rounded out my formal education.

"I have been inspired by the pure colors, distortions and boldness of the Fauves, as well as the impulsive and gestural interpretations of the Abstract Expressionists. I like my work to look spontaneous but organized; gestural but not chaotic.

"Until I retired in 2010, I had a private practice as an Art Therapist, but always continued to paint. I paint because I cannot not paint. The creative process adds to the richness of my life. I think how lucky I am to be an artist.

"Those viewing my artwork may be interested in knowing that I apply the paint directly on the canvas with my hands as I don't like having anything between me and the canvas."