A Transformation through Tragedy
Susanna Poméll, born in 1985 in Pieksämäki, Finland, currently living in Espoo, has woven an intricate tapestry of life experiences that significantly shape her artistry. Beginning her career as a successful hair artist, Poméll embarked on a transformative journey into the world of art, turning full-time artist in January 2024. Her early encounters with art through music and figure skating during her childhood, highlighted by the influence of her artist grandmother, subtly steered her towards creative expression. Despite initial hesitations about painting, it was not until she turned 30 that Poméll combined her skills in photography and hair artistry, leading to inspirational photoshoots that foreshadowed her future in abstract art.
The real turning point in Poméll’s life came from personal crisis. In 2020, amidst the severe struggles of a close family member with depression and addiction, Poméll found solace and expression in painting. It became her survival mechanism during this turbulent period. The act of painting served not only as a therapeutic escape but also as an emotional conduit through which she could channel her profound feelings of love, grief, and hope, transforming her life’s darkest moments into vibrant strokes on canvas. This period of adversity did not just fuel her artistic drive but also defined her path as an abstract artist, leading to her intuitive and expressive style. Her family survived the storm, and the art she created during the worst times serves a purpose, hoping to help others who struggle.
Susanna Poméll: The Evolution of an Artist’s Voice
Emerging from personal strife, Susanna Poméll’s artistic style blossomed into a distinctive form of abstract expressionism. Her approach to art is deeply intuitive; she never plans her paintings but instead allows her emotions to guide each brushstroke. Poméll describes painting as a therapeutic process, through which she explores various themes such as love, transformation, and freedom. Her belief in the healing power of art—both for the artist and the viewer—is a testament to her experiences, where creating art altered the energy within her and made tangible her internal emotional shifts.
Susanna Poméll’s influences are both familial and professional. Her grandmother’s legacy as an artist has been a continuous source of inspiration, establishing a spiritual connection that Poméll treasures each time she paints. Additionally, Australian artist and teacher Ange Miller has played a crucial role as a mentor, helping Poméll to embrace her artistic freedom and find her unique voice. This mentorship has been instrumental in allowing her to let go of constraints and fully immerse herself in the emotional depth of her art, which is evident in pieces like “This love came back to me,” where Poméll first felt she could truly convey significant emotional shifts through her work.
The Sanctuary of Creation: Susanna Poméll’s Artistic Space
For Susanna Poméll, the physical space where she creates is as vital as the emotional space she inhabits while painting. Having secured her own art studio a year ago, Poméll has crafted a sanctuary that caters to her artistic needs, although she already envisions the necessity for a larger space in the future. The quality of light is paramount in her studio, as natural daylight is her preferred lighting for painting. This preference is particularly challenging during Finland’s long winters, which offer limited daylight hours, prompting dreams of painting in warmer, lighter climates during the colder months. Her studio is a reflection of her need for solitude and concentration; she often wears headphones to isolate herself from external noises, using music to deepen her immersion into the creative process, or she opts for complete silence when possible, allowing her internal muse to speak more clearly.
Handling distractions is a critical aspect of Poméll’s work ethic. Her commitment to her art is such that she needs to shield herself from the outside world to maintain focus. This methodical approach to managing her environment supports her intuitive painting style, allowing her to engage deeply with her emotions and the canvas. Her studio is not just a place of work but a haven where she transforms intense personal experiences and emotions into expressive artworks that resonate with vibrancy and life.
Susanna Poméll: Broadening Horizons and Future Aspirations
Susanna Poméll is not an artist content with the status quo. Her journey through art is one of constant evolution and aspiration. One of her long-held dreams is to paint and exhibit her work internationally, aiming to share her love of art with a broader audience and experience life more fully through her artistic endeavors. This desire to expand her influence and engage with diverse cultures and environments reflects her underlying theme of transformation and freedom in her art. Poméll sees her work as a bridge between her internal world and the external reality, and she seeks to extend this bridge to as many places as she can reach.
Furthermore, Poméll’s choice of mediums—primarily acrylics and oil pastels—supports her expressive style. Acrylics offer a wide range of colors suitable for her vibrant themes, while oil pastels provide a creamy texture that brings a childlike freedom to her work. Occasionally incorporating other mixed media, Poméll keeps the focus on these two mediums as they best facilitate her emotional and intuitive expression on canvas. Her ongoing experimentation and willingness to try new materials are driven by her belief in the transformative power of art, not only for herself but also for those who experience her work. As she continues to navigate her artistic journey, Susanna Poméll remains dedicated to exploring the depths of her creativity, ever driven by her profound connection to emotion and the healing nature of her art.
