Life In Color: Sydney Suman
Gwen Akers
The Ashland Beacon
No matter if it is the paintings on our walls or the music playing through our stereo, artists never fail to put a smile on our faces. August is Artist Awareness Month, so we should take a moment to celebrate the stories of all our local artists. In the spotlight is Sydney Suman, a recent Paul G. Blazer High School graduate who is making the world a brighter place through her work with abstract art.
“I've always loved drawing, painting, doing anything creative,” explained Suman.
While attending Holy Family in her younger years, Suman began taking art classes in kindergarten. She continued taking them all throughout her high school career, and art itself has become an integral part of her life. Now, Suman does her paintings on the side while studying Psychology at Eastern Kentucky University and even takes commissions from time to time.
“I just love being able to express myself in other ways than just your typical day-to-day stuff,” expressed Suman.
Whether as a way to process her emotions or as a way to connect with others, Suman’s art is her instrument of expression. Usually, she begins her paintings by covering the canvas in a base color and then adds using acrylic or occasionally watercolor paint. Her process is all about understanding what the painting wants to say and adding until Suman is satisfied with the final product. This creates the layers and color combinations that characterize Suman’s work.
“A lot of the time [when] I do a painting, I'll do maybe half of it or majority of it in one sitting and then a lot of the time I end up just going back. I'll sit and look at it for a little bit and I’ll put it on my easel, and every time I walk past it, I just feel like it needs more. Sometimes, I could finish it [a painting] in one sitting. Sometimes, it can be a couple of days; sometimes it could be a couple of weeks. It just kind of really depends on how I feel about that specific one,” explained Suman about her art process.
Abstract art in itself is all about exploring the different dimensions and feelings of color, and Suman certainly does that in her artwork. Using sponges, art spatulas, and other tools, Suman is able to experiment with the limits of color and her imagination. Suman also explores other artistic mediums and experiments with them depending on her inspiration–from drawing to watercolors to portraits, Suman is never afraid to step outside of her comfort zone and try new ways of expression.
Those interested in checking out Suman’s work or inquiring about commissions should check out Sydney Suman on Facebook or message her or call her cell at: 606.922.2911.
Sydney Suman keeps bringing smiles to people, as well as herself, as she uses her art to explore both herself and the blossoming world around her. Keeping Suman’s story in mind, don’t be afraid to reach out and embrace your inner artist during this artist awareness month, and remember–it’s never too late to create with us!