Susan Matthews

Contact Information:

Artist Statement:

I am a painter and a student of Afro Cuban percussion. I also make güiros and chekeres. I have been to Cuba numerous times to study with master drummers. While immersed in my studies I take snap shots of musicians and dancers in action. When I get back to the studio I spend many hours revising and rearranging images to depict real and imagined events and people. My Cuban friends can't believe it when they see themselves in paint. There is something amazing about seeing yourself and your world in a painting. Maybe because a painting is one step removed from reality, it seems to elevate the present moment to immortal status.



Los Tambores de Clave y Guaguanco / The Drums of Clave y Guaguanco
1998 Acrylic on Canvas 48" X 72"

 



Rumba Afuera / Rumba Outside
1999 Acrylic on Canvas 48" X 72"

 



Rumba Columbia
2001 Acrylic on Canvas 36" X 54"

 



Yemaya
2000 Acrylic on Canvas 36" X 54"

 



Three Chekeres for Ochun
1999 Acrylic on canvas 30" x 37"

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