ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Art, for me,
Is not only a passion
But a compulsion.
Not only how I see
But a reflection of me.
When the sun makes a shadow
When the earth grows a tree
I can too. It empowers me.
It’s not just what I see
But a reflection of me
My way to see
Differently.

Why
Why create? Why do art?
To see. To try.
Rethink. Refocus.
Modify status.
Manipulate surplus.
Rediscover purpose.
Change from contrary
To extraordinary
Making is a testament
That we’re human
We can.
Sometimes not intentionally
Often accidentally
Make old new
And new old, too
And all because
That’s what artists do.
–Susy Johnsen
ARTIST BIO. Although born in Denmark Susy is an island gal. At the ripe age of 3 months she convinced her parents to emigrate directly to Campbell River, BC, Canada, where she recognized as early as primary school that she could sustain intense focus whenever doing art. Although assignments were not always well-written they were certainly well-illustrated. Her art education began at CARIHI and was influenced especially by two teachers — Ms Simpson (gr8) and Ms Hilsden (gr11). Upon graduation she won a bursary from the Campbell River Arts Council. That bursary enticed her to enroll into art college. A college portfolio led her to graphic design which segued into a career in advertising. Intense years of deadline-driven agency work led her to rethink her art. The irony was that now she was spending all her time doing everything but art. Quitting the city led her back to the island and the chance to explore watercolours. Without a studio she began painting outside and without a place to display her art she started a blog. She posts a new painting every month often twice-monthly. Follow her passion, see her hone her skills, at https://susy-j.ca
SHOWS
Alder Medical, Campbell River, Feb 2023
Campbell River Art Gallery Gift Shop Nov 2022
Green Banner Mid Island Open Studio Tour Sep 2022
Artful: The Gallery Sep 2022
Campbell River Art Gallery Members Show 2017
Gibsons Heritage Playhouse 2016