We were lucky to catch up with Suzanne Buckland recently and have shared our conversation below.
Suzanne, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I’m not certain I have a purpose so much as a compulsion to create. I believe this compulsion keeps me going, searching new opportunities, new people and new places. As a visual artist, I need wall space. Every wall I see that is empty inspires me to create more. I’m not shy about asking the owner or manager of the wall if I can show my artwork there. In creating artwork, I’ve recently felt like I want to create things people won’t get bored with or tired of. I want them to look at it often to see something they might have missed before. I not only bring beauty in my work but also provoke thought. That’s my main purpose.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Every day I wake up excited about the piece of artwork I’m creating. I’m a self-representing visual artist with a focus on two-dimensional artwork first and foremost but I’m also an advocate of the arts, serving as the president of Houston Visual Artist Network as well as working with other area arts organizations. I’m a resident artist at The Silos at Sawyer Yards in Houston as well as serve as a representative and secretary on the Artists Advisory Council of Sawyer Yards, the largest creative community in the country. I’m also a member of Women’s Caucus for Art, Texas.
I write and publish a newsletter, Houston Arts Newsletter and Beyond, focusing on art events in Texas, calls for artists, articles, digital images, classes and workshops, and helpful tips.
I’m very involved with exhibiting my artwork in many galleries and art spaces not only in Houston but in the state of Texas as well. Currently, I have artwork in several exhibitions.
The Houston Visual Artist Network’s “Artist Showcase 2025” is currently on view until August 10, 2025 at The Center for Arts and Sciences in Clute, TX. Houston Visual Artist Network as has a revolving exhibition at Outreach Center of West Houston in which I participate.
Sawyer Yards Artists are having a special exhibition at Silver Street Studios in Houston in which I’m also participating until September 21.
Upcoming exhibitions include “Maritime Time” will be showing at Houston Maritime Center & Museum, August 13 to October 31, 2025 presented by Houston Visual Artist Network as well as “Creative Expressions” at Creative Activities Center in Temple, Texas September 12 to November 4, 2025.
You can see more of my artwork at my studio in The Silos at Sawyer Yards, Studio 122 every Saturday, noon – 5PM. I might be painting but I’m always happy to talk about my work to all visitors. It gives me great joy to share my creations.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Persevere, be persistent and don’t count failures if you want to succeed in anything. I’ve had people ask me how I do it and I always have a goal besides to make money. It has to be compulsive and a regular part of your life to have what you want in life. It has very little to do with money but everything to do with lifestyle. I want to create so I do.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
“The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron is not only a book but an exercise for anyone who is creative. I highly recommend taking the time to work on the techniques she outlined. The one thing I found most helpful in straightening out my thoughts is a daily sketchbook. Instead of writing, as she suggests in the book, I draw or paint something daily be it a sketchbook or something bigger I’m creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bucklandgallery.com
- Instagram: @confident_realm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houstoncurator
Image Credits
Original Artwork by Suzanne Buckland
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
