Featured Artist Suzanne Barton

Sensuous, flowing and ethereal, artist Suzanne Barton’s “Tiny Dancer Underwater Art Series” features the graceful movement of dancers in an underwater setting. Visit this artist’s website to see more of her work.

 

 

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, my affinity for the water was realized when I moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida after graduating college. Passionate about photography since childhood, I was self-taught, and attended continuing education photography courses. I was mentored by portrait photographer, Willie L. Hill (my teacher, my friend, my critic and constant support).

 

 

My preferential interest as an artist is creativity through photographic art. Although I am looking through a lens, it is what I see “intuitively” that controls the “decisive moment” of the shutter release. I am an “old school photographer” who has embraced the digital era and its tools to create unique combinations of color, design and imagination!

 

 

In February 2015 I had a yearning to experience underwater photography. My “Tiny Dancer Underwater Art Series” began as an experimentation to explore the depth and serenity of this new locale. The grace and fluidity of movement, the soothing quiet and calm beneath the surface, along with the weightless suspension as my subject floated to the surface, left me transformed. I witnessed the perfect communion between a dancer’s heart and the “inspirational wisdom of water.” Water takes the form in which it is held and moves in the path of least resistance.

 

 

After an extensive underwater session followed by careful editing to choose the perfect image, I let my imagination follow the energy and go to work embellishing with artwork to create and enhance. I then commit the piece to metal by dye-sublimation and embellish with reflective materials and hand poured resin to bring the image to life.

 

 

In August of 2015, I was commissioned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines to produce two pieces of underwater fine art for their newest Oasis Class ship, Harmony of the Seas, which made its maiden voyage from Europe in May, 2016. The pieces are a part of the permanent onboard international art collection, seen in over 250 “ports of call” worldwide.

 

 

To date, my underwater art series is enjoyed in four galleries (Florida, Texas, South Carolina and Ohio), has been in thirteen exhibitions, eight publications and received a “Director’s Choice Award” (New York).

 

 

Inspiration comes from my affinity for being near water, the joy and passion I feel when photographing, along with the new emotional resonance uncovered by every movement that I capture “below the surface.” Color, form, design and movement are inspirational tools I use to bring joy to the senses in hopes of leaving the viewer transformed as well.

 

 

Water is vital to life as we know it. Without it, no life exists. It supports us in the womb, it energizes, purifies and cleanses. It symbolizes life, clarity, growth, illumination and transformation. I celebrate its beauty as a gentle reminder to all, that we are the caretakers of this precious life force. It’s not just about the beauty but the message behind the beauty! Aqua essence!

 

 

In the next five years, I would like to have a presence in England and Dubai. I envision my artwork being an integral part in healing centers. I would like to see my art used for a charitable cause, such as bringing fresh drinking water to areas in need and bringing awareness to the importance of protecting this precious life force.

 

Artist Suzanne Barton invites you to follow her on Facebook.

 

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