Dan's Papers - May 9, 2008 - Honoring the Artist: Susan Nash

While it may be a coincidence that the last two times Susan Nash's work was on Dan's Papers, it was Mother's Day, it still seems appropriate. Family means a lot to Nash, as the following conversation proves - and being a grandmother is especially meaningful.

Even so, painting landscapes and connecting with nature bring a sense of purpose to Nash's life as well. In a nutshell, as much as Nash loves her family and friends, solitude when painting is also important.

Q: The image I remember when I went to your home for your first cover was your family's presence: your husband, Michael, your daughters Dani and Ali, and your mother. I felt really at home myself. What are your daughters up to now?

A: Dani is a real adventurer. She a member of the ski patrol for a resort in Colorado. She's been there ten years. Ali is married and a mother. I love being with my grandchild.

Q: How did Dani become so adventurous and love nature so much, like you do yourself? Were you nature lovers as a family?

A: We would take rafting trips as a family. I remember one trip in Idaho where my husband and I were the only ones to sleep on the ground. I also remember that when we went down the rapids, I was the only one who didn't turn over. I can't believe that.

Q: This is like a scene from a reality TV show. Any other exciting experiences in nature?

A: I was with my daughter and her friend in Costa Rica and went across dangerous terrain on the zipline cable.

Q: How about your recent trip to China? That was adventurous in its way. Was it what you expected?

A: I wish I had gone several years ago so I could compare the differences between then and now. When I pictured China, I saw a man walking down the road with an ox. What I really saw wasn't what I expected. The skylines in some places are more modern than any of our cities.

Q: Are there any scenes you imagined or saw in photographs that were the same when you actualy got to China?

A: Yes. The snow-covered mountains that looked like fantasy pictures. There are mountains like that.

Q: What was the one experience that you remember the most?

A: Probably the most spectacular experience was walking up a path to a terrace where they grow rice. At the top, we stayed at a hotel for a few days. I remember we couldn't carry more than two or three pieces of clothing because it was difficult to walk.

Q: Where would you like to go next? You have that adventurous spirit.

A: I want to go everywhere. We're going to Turkey for a wedding in June.

Q: Would you actually like to live someplace else in the world and paint?

A: I like to be everywhere, but I really like to paint here. I visit the same places over and over: the marshes in North Haven; the Mecox area. The cover features the Mecox reeds; I've probably painted there more than any place else.

Q: What attracts you time and time again to these places?

A: The changing light; it's subdued and quiet. The East End is a perfect place for inquiry and experimentation. I feel that I'm in school for the rest of my life when I'm painting here.