Last week, I shared part one of an interview with Susan Winget, a renowned artist, who draws inspiration from her life on a farm in North Carolina. Susan designed our Grandparents Day container.
Today, as promised, I'm running part two of the Q&A, where she talks about what inspires her, family gatherings and her favorite flower.
And remember, Grandparents Day is Sunday, Sept. 13!
Q What inspires you now as an artist?
A Spending time in the great outdoors has always inspired me as an artist. Recently, my family has been spending more time on Bray’s Island in coastal South Carolina. Exploring the wildlife, kayaking through the marsh and riding our horses around the nature preserve has provided for endless inspiration in my latest paintings.
Q Do you have a favorite quotation or motto?
A I have two favorite quotes I would like to share. The first is Psalm 121:
I lift up my eyes to the hills --
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
This verse in the Bible is very inspirational for me and reminds me of my father who was a wonderful, spiritual guide in my life.
The second quote I would like to share is by Winston Churchill: Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.
This is a saying that the team at Winget Art Studio lives by everyday. Working in an uplifting environment with encouraging, positive people is a great blessing in my life.
Q As an artist, you have a special talent for creating cozy, peaceful, charming looks. Do you have any decorating tips or advice for people who want to create a cozy, country look in their homes?
A The best decorating advice I could give anyone is to find objects of great significance in your life and build spaces around them. This could be a family heirloom or a work of art. For example, I have my grandmother’s dough board that my grandfather carved for her when they were first married. This precious board sits on the island in my kitchen and inspired the décor of the entire room.
Q What about family gatherings -- do you have a signature look or party custom, or a favorite way to spruce up the house quickly?
A Fresh flowers! When hosting gatherings for family or friends, the easiest and most beautiful way to brighten the house and yard is with thoughtful arrangements of fresh flowers. Your home will look festive and smell wonderful!
Q What is your family's favorite meal?
A We love having pancakes for dinner. My husband, Al, mans the stove and the whole family gathers in the kitchen to help and put in special requests for blueberry or strawberry pancakes.
Q Do you have a favorite flower?
A My favorite flowers are Black-eyed Susans – and not just because of the name! These flowers have a simple beauty and are easy to grow, making a beautiful show in our yard every summer. I also gather them to make beautiful flower arrangements for our home and to share with friends and family.
Susan Winget’s Songbird Bouquet is available through your local florist or at teleflora.
