Susan Zalkind Statement

My childhood was painted with the hues of dreamy summers, vibrant falls, white winters, and luxurious springs. The rhythm of the seasons and the warmth of my Jewish community in Fall River, Massachusetts nurtured my love for life. Surrounded by friends, sports, and education, my early years were idyllic, a foundation of beauty and joy.

With a BA from Boston University and an M.Ed. from Northeastern University, I was lured to the North San Diego County coast by the wave of ‘California Dreamin” in the early ’70s. This move marked a new chapter, filled with the soft Pacific breezes that stirred my spirit. Initially, I ventured into the world of healthy food, founding SNAFS, a health-food restaurant chain. Despite the innovation of fresh carrot juice and whole protein salads, the dream didn’t flourish. Yet, it was this pivot that led me to my true passion: stone carving.

One day, as I contemplated my next steps, a friend suggested I try carving stone. That suggestion changed my life. For 36 years, alongside my husband Paul, I have been sculpting the enchanting Alabaster stone, a journey that has also brought us two children, Zali and Amber. Each piece I create, from long-stemmed Roses to intricate candlelamps, is an expression of my love for this magnificent material.

I personally gather rare gem-quality Alabaster from the Southwest United States, a process that connects me deeply with my materials. This palette of exquisite colors—ranging from deep reds and light pinks to yellows, greens, purples, and blacks—has never before been assembled in one collection. The spirit of my work begins in the wilderness, hand-gathering each piece, carrying it over rubble piles and down canyon walls. The weight of each stone is a physical connection, an intimate dialogue that shapes my artistic vision.

Using innovative rotary abrasive tools, I achieve delicate, graceful lines that allow Alabaster to express its translucent beauty. Nature’s elegance inspires me, from the grandeur of rockforms to the delicate petals of flowers. My art transforms rough stones into forms that soothe the hand, eye, and soul. A personal goal is to create a series of Alabaster Roses, each one a testament to the beauty and complexity of this rare stone.

My work includes ‘rockscapes,’ inspired by the exposed ‘bones of the earth’ in the Southwest, celebrating these landforms and their relations. From Grand Canyon promontories to simple, elemental shapes, my sculptures capture the essence of nature’s beauty. This unique three-dimensional art form blends traditional aesthetics with contemporary techniques, pushing the boundaries of what Alabaster can express.

At this stage in my life, with years of experience and a mature artistic vision, I am dedicated to working at the top of my form. My goal is to fully express the profound beauty of Alabaster, creating art that resonates with truth, beauty, and joy.

As I continue to evolve, I remain committed to my craft, celebrating the translucent, transcendent beauty of Alabaster in every piece.

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