There were almost 40 stops on the Artist Studio Tour this year! What a weekend it was, stopping at every single one of them. I am going to give you a glimpse of each artist and their work, beginning with Susan Mustard.
Susan’s studio at 411 Madrona Street in Eastsound will remain open each weekend of August: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11-3. You’ll have to stop in and chat with her, as she is quite the phenom. And she invites you to enjoy her orange ground raspberries on the way in…
Moving from Texas to Orcas Island in 2007 marked a significant turning point in both my life and artistic journey. I had been deeply engaged in Texas politics —advocating specific issues like historic preservation, neighborhood conservation, and environmental concerns. Because of this latitude’s much softer light, the vibrant colors of Orcas thrilled me and I began to capture the island’s unique natural and built environment through painting and collage. I became determined to both save and preserve, this time through my artwork. Each work became a victory of sorts.
Over those many years, I found joy in studying the Orcas scene. However, several years ago, after experiencing a brain tumor and the challenges of recovery, my creative direction shifted. I wondered, with friends, how my art might would change. I found I was drawn away from representational imagery, returning instead to somewhat more abstract ideas/subjects reminiscent of some of my earlier work.
The recent political climate, particularly the results of the last election, further deeply affected my artistic expression. As a native Texan, I am no stranger to the right-wing MAGA movement. For most of my life I’ve feared and anticipated the challenges the country is now facing. In response, I created a series of artworks between the 2024 election and now, capturing my reaction to these events.
These works, “loud silent screams,” reflect both my personal journey and our country’s broader sociopolitical context.
