I love that Susan Foss’ mixed media pieces are not only fun to examine but carry with them a deeper meaning. For example, her house painting series seems simple enough, but it actually uses maps, extra large houses and the occasional foreground subject to explore concepts of space. Her “House on the Hill” is perhaps the most profound of these, with a house situated over a woman’s shoulder; the map underneath her skin both refers to all the places she’s been to her life, and also to age lines that form as we grow older.

I also like Susan’s beautiful Fruit paintings; in each piece, apples, pears or figs are sliced down the middle to reveal their core. She makes full use of her mixed media skills to deliver rich, luscious textures that really convey the natural juiciness of the fruit. I think I like “Red Pear” the most, as its clean white core has a buttery texture made with a palette knife. If you’d like to see more of her work, stop by Susan’s shop, Abstract Heart Designs!