Susan Shoemaker

2D Mixed Media
Irondale, AL
pencilpress.org

A Birmingham native, I received my BFA from the University of Montevallo in 2000 with a double concentration in printmaking and sculpture (with painting not too far behind). However, after leaving UM, I found myself as a printmaker without a press, and returned to my first love of drawing creating a studio called “pencilpress”.

Current works include graphite drawings, acrylic paint, and photo transfers on wood panel, canvas, and paper. I prefer the wood panel as it can handle the several coats of under painting and several layers of drawing that I do to achieve the final look of a textural drawing.

Using animals as my primary subject matter can be tricky. I try to find a balance between straightforward representation and having a sense of humor about myself and my work. My goal is that the animals are well represented, funny when intended, and always portrayed in an interesting way.