Susan Geston's Remarkable Life: A Look Back At The Early Years

The Turbulent Life of Susan Geston: A Life of Perseverance and Triumph

Susan Geston, a woman of unyielding spirit and determination, left an indelible mark on the world of art and literature. Born on January 18, 1942, in Vanier, Saskatchewan, Canada, Geston's life was a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and creativity. This article will delve into the remarkable early years of Susan Geston, exploring her childhood, education, and the formative experiences that shaped her into the artist she became.

Susan Geston's early life was marked by both triumph and turmoil. Her father, Paul A. Geston, was a minister who instilled in his children a strong sense of faith and morality. However, her mother, Margaret, was a complicated figure, often struggling with mental health issues that would impact the family dynamics. Geston's childhood was spent moving between various towns and cities, including Saskatoon and Calgary, as her father transferred between different churches.

This nomadic lifestyle had a profound impact on Geston, shaping her sense of identity and self. She has often spoken about the comfort and security she found in her art, which provided a sense of stability and purpose. Despite the challenges she faced, Geston's parents encouraged her creative pursuits, providing her with a steady stream of art supplies and support.

The Formative Years: Art and Education

Susan Geston's artistic talents were evident from a young age. She began drawing and painting as a child, using crayons and watercolors to express herself. As she grew older, her interest in art only deepened, and she began to explore various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and printmaking.

Geston's formal education was largely self-directed. She attended high school in Saskatoon, where she excelled in the arts, particularly in painting and drawing. However, she struggled academically, and her parents eventually encouraged her to pursue art full-time.

In 1959, Geston began attending the Saskatoon School of Art, a prestigious art school that provided her with the training and mentorship she needed to develop her skills. Her time at the school was marked by both triumph and disappointment. She excelled in the studio, producing a range of impressive works that showcased her technical skill and artistic vision. However, she struggled with the theoretical aspects of art, finding the abstract concepts and critiques challenging to navigate.

The Early Years: Artistic Influences and Experimentation

Susan Geston's early artistic influences were diverse and eclectic. She was drawn to the works of the abstract expressionists, particularly Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. She was also fascinated by the surrealist movement, finding the works of Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte both captivating and unsettling.

As Geston explored these influences, she began to experiment with different techniques and mediums. She experimented with mixed media, combining paint, paper, and found objects to create complex, layered works. Her use of color and texture was innovative, often incorporating bold, clashing hues and textures that added depth and visual interest to her compositions.

Some of Geston's early works from this period include:

• Untitled (1960), a mixed-media piece featuring paint, paper, and found objects.
• Convergence (1961), a series of abstract expressionist paintings that showcase Geston's technical skill and artistic vision.
• The Egg (1962), a surrealist-inspired piece featuring a large, intricate egg-shaped form.

The Artist's Voice: Themes and Motifs

As Geston's artistic voice began to emerge, she began to explore themes and motifs that would become hallmarks of her work. Her early paintings and prints often featured women, mythology, and the natural world, reflecting her interest in the symbolic and metaphorical potential of these subjects.

Geston's female subjects were often depicted in abstract, non-representational forms, emphasizing their universality and timelessness. Her use of color and texture added a sense of depth and dimensionality to her works, inviting the viewer to engage with the subject on multiple levels.

Some of Geston's notable works from this period include:

• The Maenad (1965), a surrealist-inspired painting featuring a woman in a primeval landscape.
• The Eagle (1966), a mixed-media piece featuring a bold, abstract eagle form.
• The Virgin (1967), a series of paintings and prints that explore the theme of maternity and femininity.

Conclusion

Susan Geston's remarkable life is a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance. From her childhood struggles to her early artistic triumphs, Geston's story is one of self-discovery and artistic expression. As we reflect on her remarkable early years, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing our creative potential, even in the face of adversity.

Geston's artistic legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. Her innovative use of color, texture, and form has influenced generations of artists, and her commitment to exploring the symbolic and metaphorical potential of her subjects remains a hallmark of her unique artistic vision.

As we look back on Geston's remarkable life, we are reminded of the importance of staying true to our artistic vision, even in the face of uncertainty and challenge. For it is through our art that we can express our deepest selves, our hopes, and our fears. And it is through our art that we can leave a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations to explore the boundless possibilities of the creative spirit.