DKG Arts Gallery Blog: Artist’s Spotlight: An Open Artists’ Discussion on Creation, Technique & Opportunity

Susan Dion – Illinois State Organization

Briefly, tell me a little bit about yourself as an educator /creative artist? 

In second grade I knew I wanted to teach art. Creating and sharing my artistic passion with others is an integral part of my life. Learning new techniques and experimenting with various media keeps me energized. My husband Karl and I enjoy collaborating on sculptural pieces to place in our extensive flower gardens.

I enjoyed teaching sculpture and ceramics to high school students for 33 years. After retirement, I was introduced to the Zentangle art method and began sharing this technique with students of all ages. Teaching Zentangle via the internet to my DKG sisters and primary school students during the pandemic was a source of great pleasure!

As an artist, where do you find your inspiration?  

Nature is the strongest inspiration for my work. The patterns, textures, and colors all around me become a part of my creations.

Your beautiful illustration, ‘Tangled Thoughts’ appears to be well planned by your use of repetitive textures & colors using pen and ink /colored pencil.  Is there a unique process to developing this creation?

The Zentangle method of using structured patterns to create images inspired my “Tangled Thoughts” illustration. I started by drawing a few basic lines in pencil to divide the space.  Next, I drew various patterns with ink letting the patterns merge and overlap. Asymmetrical, organic patterns, and the textures created by their repetition, all combine to create a flowing design.  Graphite is applied to create shaded areas. Then color is added with watercolor pencils, colored inks, and white charcoal.  

 

Your photograph, ‘Dawn’s Journey’ shows an interesting pattern in the cloud formation.  Coincidental, or do you instinctively gravitate towards textures? Do you search for a particular genre or do you just have your camera ready?  

I usually have a camera handy, especially on a walk, and take photos whenever something catches my eye. Subjects generally present themselves when we take the time to look. Rocks, trees, flowers, lichen, leaves, etc. with their many textures and variations are among of my favorite subjects.

What is the best piece of advice given to you as an artist/photographer or that you pass on to someone else?  

Never stop learning new methods of expressing that creative drive! 

Do you have any creative tips for our members?

Challenge yourself to try a media you have not experienced and know there are no mistakes. Each creative endeavor is an opportunity to learn and grow as an artist.     

In your view, what is the value of the creative arts in education?

As an art educator, I firmly embrace the concept that the arts are an integral component of the learning process. Research reveals many significant benefits of visual arts education for the learner, from growth in creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills as well as developing confidence, cultural awareness, and positive emotional expression.

Have you entered your work in other competitions? 

Yes, I have entered pieces in local venues. One of my travel photos was selected to be a part of a show at the Fondulac Library in East Peoria, IL. My Zentangle drawings were showcased at the Hive Art Studio in Peoria, IL as well as at the Tremont Gallery in Tremont, IL. One venue close to my heart was the 20^th Anniversary of the of the Women in the Arts where my clay sculpture received an Honorable Mention.

Do you have anything else you’d like to share about yourself or your DKG journey?

The Women in the Arts, DKG ILSO, has been an important part of my DKG Journey beginning with my first biennium as a WIA committee member in 1987 when then State President, Joan Kalbacken asked me to serve. I was introduced to an amazing group of women educators who impacted my life in such a positive manner not only via the committee but also at the Creative Arts Retreat. 

I have enjoyed presenting workshops at the CAR beginning with my first in 1987 and continuing through the pandemic where we held the event virtually for two years! I am especially grateful to 2019-2021 ILSO President Beverly Johns for the support and encouragement she provided as we made the leap to a Virtual CAR!

As the pandemic continued, the WIA Committee presented regular art sessions via Zoom to DKG members across the country. It has been an extraordinary adventure to be able to share our time and art activities with our DKG sisters and friends everywhere even though we were unable to gather at our usual events. The Creative Arts Retreat recently held in June 2022 was very successful.  We are planning another one in June 2023.            

I have had the privilege and honor to serve as Chair of WIA for the ILSO during the 1993-1995, 2011-2013, 2017-2019, and 2019-2021 biennium. I have remained on the WIA Committee except during biennium where I served as ILSO Corresponding Secretary, Leadership Development Chair, Nominations Committee, Foundation Board, and as Coordinating Council Representative. 

I have been a recipient of a grant on three occasions from the Lambda State Foundation for Educational Studies to fund art activities for primary students in schools that have no formal art programs. I am so very grateful to the Lambda State Foundation and DKG ILSO for this opportunity. Watching the impact of the art lessons with the students involved has been exciting and rewarding! 

Attending the first Spectacular Texas Art Retreat in 2015 was a special highlight in my DKG journey! Participating as a workshop presenter for the inaugural STAR event was such a joy. I have remained close with my WIA/DKG friends over the years and look forward to spending time together at conventions and the Creative Arts Retreat. DKG membership has been a positive, rewarding experience in my life!