#HASHTAG: SUSAN BLOCK

Highland Park’s SUSAN BLOCK creates vibrant oil paintings full of energy and excitement that capture an essence of freedom. Having spent her youth on her family’s 680-acre property in northern Wisconsin, freedom, wildness, and vibrance have always surrounded her. “My work is, for me, generally, about breaking free and breaking barriers—chasing dreams beyond the boundaries of what we expect,” explains Block. Well-known for her large-scale abstract horse paintings, these works continue the themes of freedom and life. In addition to her artwork, Block is an actress who has graced the stage in more than 30 plays and was nominated for a Joseph Jefferson award. Setting aside her paintbrush, Block takes a moment to share how she stays current in a colorful world.

#ON MY NIGHTSTAND

I love to read and am reading three books at the moment. Next to painting and sculpting, it’s what I like to do best. I’m reading The Memoirs of Richard Nixon and a historical fiction by Colin Falconer called Lord of the Atlas. It’s about human history—therefore it’s about war and devastation which seems to be our ongoing condition. The third book is FDR by the fabulous historian, Jean Edward Smith.

#ON MY MOBILE

I listen to books more than music. I even listen to books while I’m painting.

#IN MY EARBUDS

My musical taste is rather archaic. I like Motown and Andrea Bocelli, Janis Joplin, and Amy Winehouse.