"Olga Store" by Susan Mustard
By Michael Rivkin
‘Landmarks’ refers to Island scenes and life stages for this Orcas artist
Susan Roller Mustard, Orcas resident since 2005, has made quite a name for herself since her arrival here.
Her art is captivating, appealing and most difficult of all… original. When Susan walked in to Crow Valley Pottery’s Eastsound Gallery a few years back, introduced herself, and offered that she had “a completely different form of art to show y’all”… the gallery owners Jeffri Coleman and Michael Rivkin were naturally a bit hesitant. However, the pair stood in silence as Mustard offered peeks at her collages created from vintage book covers of all manner of materials and colors. Truly wonderful! Then she also showed her works in oil… with great color and a special talent for capturing movement.
And so, Susan is not just a ‘regular’ on the gallery’s roster of artists, but also now featured in her first solo-exhibition at the Eastsound venue. ‘Landmarks’ celebrates the favorite and most-loved haunts of Orcas. And at the same time honors Susan’s personal life transitions. Mustard herself says it best:
“My work is about embracing my Texas-sized past and melding it with my current life on beautiful Orcas Island.
“As a child I stuttered until my father told me to stop, It wasn’t easy going. Words were difficult. I yearned for security and a place of sanctuary for nearly 60 years.
“I stumbled upon Orcas Island in 2005.The first thing I noticed was the gentle light and soft climate. Now, in my island sanctuary, my collection of old book covers– originally doomed to a land fill — become new collages of cherished, landmarks and the people of Orcas.
“Words incorporated are chosen for their visual importance. Not the other way around. And sometimes I dance – with oil paint on wooden boards.”
Mustard is a native of Phillips, Texas, and in addition to being an accomplished artist, adds many other credentials to her credits including art teacher and instructor, art therapist, art therapy instructor and licensed professional counselor (retired).
Valley Pottery & Gallery presents this very special showing: ‘Landmarks,’ with all-new works in collage and oil. Showing at the Main Street shop in Eastsound, next to Darvill’s Books, there will be an artist’s opening reception this Friday from 4 to 7 PM. As always at Crow Valley, snacks and drinks are offered. Please contact the gallery at 376 4260 for additional information.
Susan’s work sounds fascinating, I’ll be anxious to see it! Thanks for the article.
Oh yes, Ms. Mustard’s work IS fascinating & vivid scenes of home–our island home. Not to be missed!
As an old friend and fellow artist, I can say that Susan’s art has always been wonderful and innovative. The oils are beautiful and arresting. And the collages are amazing, like pieces of a puzzle put together with great delicacy and joy.
One of the America’s great original artists.
Worth owning.
Susan is always amazing. Her warm personality meshes with never ending energy.
This shows in her work and will draw the viewer in to a Happy Time. It will follow them home after they leave the exhibition.