About Susan Ukkola

Welcome to my studio!

Since graduating from the Ottawa School of Art in 1994, Susan has exhibited extensively in juried shows throughout the National Capital Region. Her work has also been recognized with numerous awards.

A member of Ottawa Mixed Media Artists, her art involves fusing a thick, translucent layer of beeswax to a milk paint-primed panel. She then scrapes away some areas to reveal underlying nuances, scars or “beauty marks,” sometimes enhancing those emerging surfaces with collage. "I work spontaneously, intuitively allowing the work to evolve as it will." Susan also says of her work, "these paintings are a mixture of light-hearted and dead-serious themes.

Her transparent layers of encaustic or bee’s wax painting reveal traces of what went before, the pentimento. Pentimento is an art term that describes the presence or emergence of earlier images, forms, or strokes that have been changed and painted over. This ability to "see through", to reveal cuts and scrapes, both good and bad, parallels the complexity and the beauty of life and relationships."

About My Studio

I’m very excited to share with you the opening of my teaching studio, UkkolArt Studio, which has been a long held dream of mine. Now that the paint has dried and the fixtures are completely installed, let me tell you a bit about the studio, my vision, and a little about myself.

Like me, the studio is really casual and comfortable. When you enter the studio space, you’ll feel the creative energy. Of course, since this is a teaching studio, the space is huge and very well lit. There are large clean worktables, running water and everything imaginable for artmaking.

Located in rural Ottawa, in a gorgeous country setting, artists can’t help but be inspired and infused with excitement when they get here.

Picture yourself doing plein air painting by a pond. You’re surrounded by a mixed hardwood forest and taking time out on the large decks around the property. It’s absolutely peaceful during all of the seasons.

Come for an artist retreat for a day. Everything is hassle free! I provide the lunches and beverages for all workshops. Yes, you read it right, I even feed you! No fuss, no muss, all is taken care of for you.

Some very sought-after artists have already agreed to guest-teach here. Just about every art form will be explored. You are going to love it!

About Myself

As for me, well, I’m an exuberant mixed media artist who’s spirited energy comes through in all my work and in my teaching style.

Sincerely,
Susan Ukkola