Artists' Collections
The art of inspirational women with whom I have traveled creative paths
Artists' Collections
The art of inspirational women with whom I have traveled creative paths
Suzan’s Mosaic Collections
I was fortunate to have had a phenomenal and at times challenging upbringing by two dynamic and edge-riding parents. I came to know the world, running barefoot through my parents’ encounter groups and surrounding Oregon wilderness. Wild Sage Arts Refuge evolves their vision, creating spaces - both virtual and physical – to explore inner worlds and creative expression. Captivated by the ease with which vibrant color penetrated my father’s canvases, I explored adolescence with a camera. But it wasn’t until I responded to a friend’s COVID-era invitation to do mosaic in community, that I stepped into the wellspring of my own art.
After decades of dedicated work as a doctor and educator in reproductive health and emergency medicine, I value that mosaic is communal and whimsical by nature. I appreciate that mosaic “celebrates brokenness and the art of being brought together.” (Tempest Williams 2008). May these spaces at Wildsage breathe new life and spark healing in these precarious times.
Mara Chitayat Art Collections
Imagining, intuiting and experimenting is part of my DNA. As a child I would experiment wildly. Carving chunks of clumped detergent or pouring plaster into gloves, evolved into painting, jewelry making and finally mosaics. I went from independent inquiry, to taking classes, to teaching classes as I entered my 60s. The experimental spirit of pure play has sustained me. I fall into flow. Mosaic inspires my love of color and new ways of seeing the natural world in all its glory.
As a psychotherapist in private practice, I discover pieces of people and help put each unique part together in a new way. So too with pieces of glass. Elderhood has given me the opportunity to bring forward my artist self in all arenas. Without societies automatic formulas, we can engage endless creativity. My wild child has found its home, and for that I am grateful.
Joy Roe Doyle Art Collections
I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember. Starting at age 11, wheel throwing and clay became my escape. It got me through the stresses of both college and then medical school at Stanford University. After my two beautiful daughters were born, I had to do quicker projects I could do at home. I learned nuno felting where I made yardage out of wool and silk, and I learned to sew my own clothes.
Outside of my artistic pursuits, I was a family physician for 27 years in Fremont CA. I loved my job and my patients, but in 2021 I was diagnosed with cancer and retired to give myself time to create and be with my family. I currently am learning encaustics, and I continue to sew with fabrics I have created and dyed. Art is not a place where I try to be perfect or follow the rules. I had to be the best doctor, the best mom, and the best wife. Art has given me a place to do as I please and be free.
Other women physicians, leaders, and artists who have greatly influenced my journey:
Penny Stringer MD - https://penneystringermd.com
Arti Chandra MD - https://artichandramd.com
Maureen Paul MD, MPH - https://rewirenewsgroup.com/authors/dr-maureen-paul/
Judith Kate Friedman - https://songwritingworks.org
Deborah McKoy PhD, MPA - https://citiesandschools.berkeley.edu/deborah-mckoy/
Betty Laduke - https://bettyladuke.com