Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Arts

The creative journey can take on many forms as you grow into the artist you are meant to become. In today’s episode we interview Susie Silver, a North Carolina abstract liquid media artist who wears several hats as she connects and uplifts the community around her. We talk about how the reality of juggling several priorities can influence your creative energy, the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts, as well as simple actions that all artists can take in order to encourage institutions to prioritize representing a diverse range of creative voices.

Susie Silver | Cary, NC

Senior DEI Consultant at The Diversity Movement, Artist

Susie Silver Art, CEO and Founder of With Pride Consulting

Artist Biography:

Susie Silver is an artist, educator, coach, consultant and speaker. She grew up in a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and later attended the New York State College of Ceramics within Alfred University in Alfred, New York where she earned her BFA in 2002. While attending Alfred University, she also earned a Minor in Art History and Art Education. Susie has furthered her studies at Studio Arts International in Florence, Italy and Penland School of Crafts in Spruce Pine, North Carolina.

Susie recently ended her tenure as a high school Visual Art teacher in 2021 after 18 years in the classroom. She is a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®) and currently works as a Senior DEI Consultant for The Diversity Movement in Raleigh. Susie is also CEO and founder of With Pride Consulting, an LGBTQ+ inclusiveness consulting company.

Artist Statement:

I eliminate all realistic imagery from my paintings. My goal is to give my viewers a sense of calm and to offer a moment of escape from our everyday “noise” when they engage with my work. I focus on the manipulation of many different liquid media while immersed in the process of creating. Pieces are actively layered with media such as ink, watercolor and acrylic, and constructed over time through multiple working sessions. The inspiration for my imagery, and for this layering process, comes from the natural movement of liquids, rock formations and aerial views of land and water. I use minimal tools in the process of creating pieces, often using my hands, fingers and even my breath to guide mediums around the working surface. Spontaneous and unplanned moments occur in every piece, which is exhilarating and challenging to me.

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