There is a lot of superb contemporary realism being made these days; this article by Brandon Rosas shines light on a gifted individual.
In the bronze sculptures of Susan Wakeen (b. 1955), one finds a fullness of expression that moves beyond mere description of form to achieve revelation of character. “I strive to capture a personal and sensitive narrative that is unique to each sculpted portrait, yet universal in its emotive quality,” says Wakeen, a signature member of the Portrait Society of America. “One senses immortality in the sculpted portrait. I try to capture the fragility and strength of humanity that can live beyond our lifetimes.”
Born in Massachusetts to an artist and an interior designer, Wakeen found herself longing for a future in art almost immediately after earning her university degree in math and psychology. She took art classes at night while working three part-time jobs until she discovered a knack for doll sculpting that led her to form the Susan Wakeen Doll Company in hopes of funding a return to college.
That business took off quickly, and over the next 30 years Wakeen earned more than 48 awards and nominations from the doll industry. Although she never found time to return to college, she continued to hone her artistic skills through workshops with such artists as Betty Pat Gatliff, Rosalind Cook, and Tuck Langland.
With the support of her family, in 2006 Wakeen decided to leave the doll business for fine art, but a battle with cancer delayed her dream until 2012. Now recovered and working in a studio two miles from her home in Litchfield, Connecticut, she divides her time between teaching and evoking the spirit of subjects that move her. “I am inspired by love,” she explains. “There are all kinds of love in life, and I have truly felt love for each subject I sculpt. This allows me to connect with my subject — and I do need to connect to be inspired.”
The connection with the musician illustrated above occurred during a live modeling session attended largely by painters. “As the guitarist sat down to pose, his true character emerged,” Wakeen recalls. “What kept me most excited was his human spirit and complete immersion in playing. I felt his passion, and it was then that my mind, heart, and hands were all working together to capture this beautiful and fleeting moment.”
Wakeen is represented by Cheryl Newby Gallery (Pawleys Island, South Carolina), Alofft Gallery (Litchfield, Connecticut), and Arnould Gallery (Marblehead, Massachusetts).
View more contemporary realism artist and collector profiles here at FineArtConnoisseur.com.
Story prepared for the web by Cherie Dawn Haas, Editor of Realism Today
