Art

Hearts in Bud, oil on canvas, 24 x 24 in, 2010, donated to
Lemuel Shattuck Hospital via Boston's Art Connection

Since 2006, Susan's artwork has been acquired by dozens of Greater Boston nonprofits via The Art Connection's artist donor program. Winter 2011: MHPI Inc.’s Mildred Zanditon Community Apartments (18-unit residential facility for formerly homeless adults) and Mission Main Tenant Task Force (improving living conditions for Hispanic and African American families and elderly, 535 units).

Writing

Lev and Sage: Always on the Job with Susan

Topics for Susan's new book manuscripts include dogs, relationships, and travel. Editorial assistants, Lev and Sage, are there to help! Over a decade after it was first published, Susan's book, Therapeutic Art Directives and Resources: Activities and Initiatives for Individuals and Groups is still going strong: commentaries by popular Psychology Today columnist, Cathy Malchiodi, and later editions in Korean (Sigma Press) and Hebrew. 

Coaching/Therapy

One of Susan's Many Self-Help Doodles

Susan is available to consult and present internationally, as well as in the Toronto area: support and encouragement offered by phone, on-line, or in person, to suit schedules and relieve stress. Educational, therapeutic, creative, organizational, or motivational, Susan is committed to meeting a variety of client needs, practically and expeditiously—in English, ou en français. Unique among her tools are personally produced self-help image cards. These confirm what many feel, but may be less comfortable to share. The image above is just one example.
 

Dogs

Lev and Sage: Canine Nuptials

Never too late to get married! Lev and Sage, art studio assistants and editors-in-chief of the DocSusan website, set an example Summer 2009. Younger man (9 at the time) older woman (12 at the time), and he lets her win every time, participated in special high-tea nuptials. Setting: Méridien King Edward Hotel. Cause: to herald Woofstock, raising funds for canine cancer research through Ontario Veterinary College's Pet Trust.
 

Travel

Kilimanjaro Summit: Susan and Climbing Buddies

November 2007, Susan reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. After 10 months of uninterrupted painting for her Florence Biennale exhibit, she was ready for a different type of challenge—physically and emotionally. Not the fittest in the group and not having done enough (any) training, how did she make it to the top—one of the 50% who do, and the only female? She believes three factors helped: proper attire, not trying to be clever, and not being competitive. She was on more of a spiritual quest: enjoying the wonder of being there and experiencing whatever was meant to be. What kept her going on the final ascent? Three gifts: camaraderie of peers and guides, not knowing what was (really) coming next, and an inability to give up (with anything).