Local Artist Puts Body and 'Soul' into Her Work

By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer

Creating art has the ability to heal both the artist and those who are involved in the process. It was with this intention that local artist Suzanne Alexandra began creating “Soul Prints.”

Alexandra started imprinting in 2011, but it wasn’t until 2013, when she was diagnosed with two brain aneurysms and underwent two surgeries, one on each side of her head, that she realized what an impact her “Soul Prints” were making, not only on those she painted, but in her own life as well.

“As my view of the world changed, so did my art, deepening my intent and purpose,” said Alexandra. “Without the soul, the body is like a light bulb without electricity. We all feel invisible to some extent. I was inspired to paint people to share their soul and their inner beauty with the world.

"My models, through me, tell their stories. My art creates a new and exciting way for you to be seen and see yourself. It is like looking into a mirror and seeing different shades of yourself you didn’t know were there and magnifying parts of yourself you are afraid to own. It is empowering. Together we create a way to see your power, your inner beauty, and your unique gift to the world. You are the actual art imprinted on canvas.”

Before the COVID pandemic, Alexandra’s soul-filled art was widely viewed in the Valley. Her art hung in the C Gallery, wine tasting rooms, coffee houses, and local restaurants. Then when COVID shut everything down, she wasn’t able to do her imprinting, as the process requires a hands-on approach.

“The process is simple,” Alexandra explains. “You choose your background colors and the space that holds you. It could be winter sky, stormy clouds, spring meadows — there are no rules. Then you choose the colors in which to be painted, the colors of your heart and soul. Then

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I paint your body and gently press you onto the canvas, transferring the paint to create your imprint."

“The journey through paint creates laughter or sometimes tears, because sometimes emotions are laid bare,” said Alexandra. “It is fun, messy, exhilarating, and empowering. I create a space of trust and safety for the experience to be all those things.”

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First Young Artist Showcase

Presented by the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series

LOS OLIVOS — On Sunday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m., the Santa Ynez Valley Concert series will present its first-ever Young Artist Showcase entitled "Beethoven and his Contemporaries." This free concert will feature top talent from Santa Barbara County private teaching studios who were recommended by their respective teachers for this special honor.

“Music Education is at the forefront of the mission of the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series," Artistic Director Robert Cassidy said. "This recital is a launching pad for future and regular outreach events that the series will sponsor. I am deeply grateful to the young artists and their teachers for participating.”

The concert is at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, located at 2901 Nojoqui Ave., a block from the flagpole in the center of Los Olivos. This event is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

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