Susy Siddens
Originally from England and now based in Marin, California, Susy is an emerging artist showcasing new works under the name Fat Pencils.
Formerly an exhibitions coordinator for public art museums, a director for a private gallery and a research archivist for the renowned painter, Nathan Oliveira, Susy currently serves as the managing director of a full-service graphic design agency and is a frequent guest speaker at San Francisco State University. She was a member of the San Francisco artists collaborative Big Umbrella Studios until moving to Marin.
Evenings and weekends are dedicated to her focus on making patterns to delight; a ten-year journey to find her artistic voice, with 2024 marking the fifth year of this exploration. Documenting her progress through regular posts on Instagram, Susy sets intentions, joins art classes, and dedicates countless hours to her creativity, resulting in ever-more rewarding, fun and evolving artistic endeavors.
Why Fat Pencils?
When she started Fat Pencils, Susy was drawing every day and she loved the name—it made her smile, it’s easy, joyful and memorable. Although she transitioned to working in ink and, more recently, to painting, simple line drawings remain at the heart of Fat Pencils, regardless of any sculptural or painterly explorations still to come.
I have an obsession with pattern, contrast and texture that drives all of my work.
Artist Statement
I have an obsession with pattern, contrast and texture that drives all of my work. My latest exploration is wall hangings, crafting distinctive pieces that blend the beauty of nature with my love of pattern.
Using jute with wood cocktail sticks I suspend wood and clay circles from driftwood and found branches. The wood cocktail sticks are significant because they provide a way to fasten the pieces together without the need for knots, keeping the look clean and simple. The pieces emit gentle sounds as you brush by, inviting you to touch them as they sway with the slightest breeze.
These wall hangings have become intrinsic to the very locations that inspire them. Situated in the coastal beauty of west Marin, driftwood and branches are a natural choice for the top part. Handmade mulberry paper, recycled tissue paper and acrylic are used to create the patterns for a handmade touch.
I aim to capture the spirit of a place, offering a tangible connection to the landscapes that inspire my work and the repetitive patterns that make me so happy.
Shows
2024
• Jan–Feb: Papier-mâché Sculptures, Werkstatt, Marin Art & Garden, Ross, CA
• Feb–Apr: Painting, The 6000 Circle Project, Arc Gallery, San Francisco, CA
• Feb–Dec: Wall Hangings, The Sanctuary by Tinozzi Chiropractic, Corte Madera, CA
• Mar–Aug: Wall Hanging, The Perish Trust, San Francisco, CA
• Jun–Dec: Wall Hangings, Madrona Bakery, Mill Valley, CA
• Jun–Jul: Tea & Coffee Rocks, Upside, Mill Valley, CA
• Jun–Jul: Wall Hangings, Cedar Street Gallery, Berkeley, CA
• Jun 29–Jan 26: Wall Hanging, Lara’s Fine Dining, Point Richmond, CA
• Jul 21: Wall Hanging and Tea & Coffee Rocks, Third Sunday Arts & Crafts & Beyond Festival, Arts of Point Richmond booth, CA
Jul 25–Sep 28: Wall Hanging, Art Fluent: This Land juried international group exhibition, online
• Jul 30–Sep 28: Wall Hangings (4), Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art, Naturalist Gallery Sculpture Collection juried international group exhibition, online
• Sep 18–Oct 12: Wall Hanging, Forage: Ocean group exhibition at Dorado 806 Projects, Santa Monica, CA
2023
• Aug: Papier-mâché Sculpture, Language Arts at Rock Paper Scissors Collective, Oakland, CA
• Dec: Ornaments, Werkstatt, Marin Art & Garden, Ross, CA
2022
• Papier-mâché Sculptures and Works on Paper, Excellence, Larkspur, CA
2014
• Papier-mâché Sculptures, Rabat, San Francisco, CA
2013
• Papier-mâché Sculptures, Joie de Vivre at Big Umbrella Studios, San Francisco, CA
2010
• Mixed Media and Sculpture, Arzo Stylist, Union Square, San Francisco, CA
2008
• Leaf Collages, The Ugly Mug, Soquel, CA
• Leaf Collages, Emerald Hills Café & Roastery, Emerald Hills, CA