from perception to realization
"Allegory" (above) was made and installed in 1994 at CSU Bakersfield. It represents the culture & history of the region. In 2004, I received an award from the 510.0rg for my work, which challenges notions of race, gender and culture. Most importantly, I have been told hundreds of times that people see their own stories in my work. As Faith Ringgold famously tells us, the personal is political.
"Susannah Israel uses color
as a vital part of each composition, and is a master at creating work
full of imaginative gesture
and meaning."
Natalie Nelson, Pence Gallery
"There is a vast landscape over these pieces that required close attention. Each piece (is) an invitation to a long conversation with the viewer. I wanted to hang out with them, pull up a chair, get to know them and hear stories about them - like I feel when I read a good book."
http://bigoceanblue.blogspot.com/2011/04/susannah-israel-workshopsolo-exhibition.html
"The creations of award-winning California artist Susannah Israel reflect a deep understanding of our collective past."
Deanna Selene
combustus.com/california-clay-artist/
"Susannah Israel’s “Le Sacre du Printemps,” vibrantly hot-hued and textured with saturated color spilling from the figure’s hands onto a primitive piano keyboard, bears a startling resemblance to its surroundings.
The Oakland artist’s intuitive storytelling approach, translated into three-dimensions, “is intended to celebrate and serenade the garden setting.”
Lou Fancher
Activist from birth, Susannah Israel is an artist, writer and educator on a mission for truth. Her sculptures “confront assumptions of race, gender and culture”. Israel began writing art reviews in 2000 to support and showcase the talent being excluded by galleries and museums. While teaching at Laney College (2001-2018), she advocated fiercely for all students, taking on advising, writing curriculum and serving as chair, even though she was an adjunct with no insurance. Israel earned a BA and MFA from San Francisco State University, and her award-winning artwork is widely shown. She is a longterm resident of Oakland.
