Susan McLaughlin

GARDEN ESCAPEES

While studying to become a master gardener, I learned the term “garden escapees.” It refers to plants that leave where they were planted and relocate themselves to an environment better suited to their growth and continuity.

People do this too. In these paintings, I am translating this concept by painting anthropomorphized flowers on linen panels with acrylic paints. Sometimes humans are disguised by flowers; at other times the flowers take over, becoming part of the figure’s anatomy. Either way, these hybrids are escaping their gardens by land, sea or sky; via flying chairs; cutting their way out with jeweled scissors; or hiding themselves behind a bunch of irises. One way or another, all are escaping their “gardens,” even if they must wander for centuries. Each in their own way, my escapees illustrate our eternal striving to find a better place.

I am grateful for my Master Gardener certificate from the University of Connecticut, as well as my Master of Studio Art degree from NYU, which together have enabled me to conceive and execute this body of work.