About The Artist
SUZANNE YOUNG
Mixed Media Artist
Petaluma, Ca
707 315-3251
Paints Abstracts Intuitively – Creates Assemblage and Collage
My inspiration comes from memories of places traveled; the texture, patterns and colors and also how I see the landscape as an abstract painting and the simplicity of everyday life.
Acrylics are applied in layers to build up the texture with paint and collage. The color of the ocean has always tugged at my heart and I often incorporate blues and aquas. The grids represent a way to feel in control and organized and I use asemic writing to express emotion or tell a story without words. The process of painting is very much like a conversation or relationship, and a single action can have a reaction that remains over time. There are layers and depth that reveal time and history.
My assemblages are created with the desire for intrigue and curiosity; to bring the viewer closer and to share a memory. These textural wall reliefs are created with wood, paper, plaster, rust, metal, wire, found objects and bursts of reflective light using mica flakes.
I have been creating art as long as I can remember. I studied art at UC Santa Barbara, College of Creative Studies. I live in Petaluma, California and after 30 years of working as an artist, creating faux finishes and murals for other people, now I draw from my memories, pursue my passion, create from my heart and all the while experiment and have fun.
Suzanne Young – Mixed Media Artist
Petaluma, CA 707 315-3251
Suzanne Young, a lifelong creator, began her artistic journey as her dad’s little helper, exploring creative freedom with scrap wood and tools in the garage. Her passion evolved through UC Santa Barbara and the College of Creative Studies, culminating in her first solo show of sculptural wall reliefs and assemblages. Relocating to Petaluma in 1988, Suzanne’s urge to paint was ignited during a workshop in the South of France, imprinting a lasting connection between art and travel.
As the force behind Suzanne Young Decorative Painting for 30 years, she specialized in faux finishes resembling old European plaster and intricate murals. Amidst this, she crafted a series of 20 intricate assemblage boxes, blending collecting, collage, and encapsulated memories. Though limited in her art practice time, retirement in 2020 allowed Suzanne to fully embrace her creativity through Nicolas Wilton’s Art2Life program. Now painting, creating collages, and assemblages full time, she’s an active member of the Art2Life Academy, engages in a creative art group, exhibits in various galleries, and imparts her wealth of knowledge through teaching. Suzanne’s current work reflects a lifetime of collected images, seamlessly merging experimentation with new materials to infuse energy and emotion into textured paintings rich with history.
Acrylic Paint, Mixed Media
Six members of the Creatives by the Bay couldn’t be more excited to exhibit together in one place during Marin Open Studios. From atmospheric to abstract, painterly to contemporary, this diverse collection offers a glimpse of our individual inspirations and journeys. The work ranges in size from very large canvases (6’ plus) to smaller works on paper and birch panel framed and ready to hang. Come find the perfect Mother’s Day gift!
Creatives by the Bay Artists:
Suzanne Young https://www.suzanneyoung.art/
Claire Halenbeck https://www.clairehalenbeck.com/
Jane Yuen Corich https://www.janeyuencorich.com/
Ryan Lynch https://www.ryanlynch.art/
Sarah Silverstein https://www.sarahsilverstein.art/
Tesa Locks Carlsen https://www.tesalockscarlsen.com
Studio Information
Creatives By The Bay Shared Studio
Contact Information
7073153251
Exhibitions & Press
SOLO SHOWS
- 2023-24 Luma Bar and Eatery, Petaluma, Solo Show, 5 months
- 2015 AYA Salon, Petaluma, CA ‘Grand Opening’
- 2009 True-Tone Skin Care, Petaluma, CA ‘The Mass Assemblage’
- 2006 Aqus Café, ‘A Retrospective Multi-Media Show’
- 1993 Markey’s Cafe, ‘Assemblage Show’
- 1989 Markey’s Cafe, ‘Sculptural Wall Reliefs’
- 1988 College of Creative Studies at UCSB, ‘Found Object Assemblage’
JURIED SHOWS
- 2023 Healdsburg Center for the Arts, Healdsburg, CA ‘Kaleidoscope’
- 2023 Graton Gallery, Graton, CA, ‘Small Works Show’
- 2014 Healdsburg Center for the Arts, Healdsburg, CA ‘Metal Arts’
- 2012 Riverfront Gallery, Petaluma, CA ‘Showin’ on the River’
- 2008 Arts Council of Sonoma County, ‘Small Works’
- 2007 Gallery One, Petaluma, CA ‘Almost White’
- 2004Kendall Jackson Winery, Santa Rosa, CA ‘Tomato Art Show’
GROUP SHOWS
- 2024 Petaluma Arts Center, Petaluma, CA ‘Souvenirs’
- 2024 Graton Gallery, Graton, CA Creatives By the Bay Group Show
- 2023 Petaluma Arts Center, Petaluma, CA ‘15th Annual Members’ Exhibition’
- 2015 Petaluma Arts Center, Petaluma, CA ‘14th Annual Members’ Exhibition’
- 2010 Petaluma Arts Center, Petaluma, CA ‘Arts d’Light’
- 2010 Graziano’s Restaurant, Petaluma, CA
- 2010 Dimensions Galleria, Petaluma, CA ‘Grand Opening’
- 2008 Joseph McDonald Photography Studio, Petaluma, CA ‘Studio Opening’
- 2008 Gallery Route One, Pt. Reyes, CA ‘The 10th Annual Box Show’
- 2008 Aqus Café, Petaluma, CA, ‘Anne-Laure’s Choice’
- 2008 Sooze Wine Bar, Petaluma, CA
- 2008 Aqus Café, Petaluma Arts Council ‘Seventh Annual Members’ Show’
- 2007 Gallery Route One, Pt. Reyes, CA ‘The Box Show Par Excellence’
- 2007 Gallery One, Petaluma, CA ‘Tales of a Garden’
- 2007 Arts Council of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa, CA ‘Member’s Exhibit’
- 2007 Aqus Café, Petaluma Arts Council ‘6th Annual Member Show’
- 2006 Petaluma Hospital, Petaluma Art Council, ‘Healing Art’
- 2006 Gallery Route One, Pt. Reyes, CA ‘The Magic Box Show’
- 2004 Twig, Petaluma, CA ‘Fruits and Vegetables’
- 1990 Cultural Arts Council of Sonoma County, Petaluma, CA ‘Artist’s at Play’
- 1990 De la Terra Gallery, Petaluma, CA ‘Multi Media Paper Constructions’
- 1989 Cultural Arts Council of Sonoma County, Petaluma, CA ‘Petaluma’s Own’
- 1988 UCEN Gallery at UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA ‘Chairs’
- 1988University of California, Santa Barbara, ‘First 50’
EDUCATION
- 2023 Art2Life, Creative Visionary Program
- 1995 Villa Live Art, Soreze, France, Plein air painting workshop
- 1988 College of Creative Studies, Art Department, UCSB
- 1988 University of California at Santa Barbara, Art Studio Major
- 1978-1981 Cuesta Jr. College, San Luis Obispo, CA, Liberal Arts Degree
Related work
1990-2020 Muralist, faux artist and painter of decorative finishes. I owned of a successful painting company for 30 years. Even though faux painting was a rewarding career, my artistic passion was never quite satisfied. It’s always within me, nudging, leading me back to my studio to paint, build, explore and to create.
2005 Making Memory Boxes, Sterling Publishing Co. New York, 2005 Contributor to ‘Gallery of Artists’, p.103-105
publications
2006 Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, CA, ‘Multimedia Artist’s Retrospective in Petaluma’
Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, CA, ‘She has Collecting Down to an Art’
Education
Education
2023 Art2Life, Creative Visionary Program
1995 Villa Live Art, Soreze, France, Plein air painting workshop
1988 College of Creative Studies, Art Department, UCSB
1988 University of California at Santa Barbara, Art Studio Major
1978-1981 Cuesta Jr. College, San Luis Obispo, CA, Liberal Arts Degree
After studying art at college and university. I have taken a few workshops and studied under Camille Przewodek, Carol Watanabe, Joan Hoffman and Nicholas Wilton.
