The Holy Cross Gallery, Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 150 Melrose Ave. in Tryon, is proud to feature Suzanne Zoole. The gallery is open Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and during services. The show will run through mid October.

“Interiors—including chairs, tables and beds—continue to be a favorite subject matter in my work,” says Zoole. “I hope to imply social interchange and to project a warmth, comfort and hospitality. As a lover of the deep woods, I often paint large landscapes. Many regard my paintings as happy and optimistic.

Typically, I choose strong vivid colors in my work—all outlined in black line.

“As I look for a source for a deeper meaning in my work, I find a phrase from the psalms ‘under the shadow of your wings’ descriptive. What could feel safer than being in the shadow of God’s wings? As the psalmist uses this image to describe an ultimate safety or security, a prominent though hidden theme in my paintings is about security.

“It is a security and safety of a fundamental and deeply personal kind. We all know what makes us feel safe and where we seek refuge. For me, I find it in my home, among the familiar possessions there, in my own bed, and also in the woods. These images are visual metaphors for a kind of intimate protection and shelter that I know God provides.”

Zoole is a signature member of the National Watercolor Association and the South Carolina Watermedia Society. Three years ago she was awarded a grant for her “Kitchen Chronicles” series of food paintings which was exhibited in a solo show at the Spartanburg Museum of Art.

Several years ago she received a similar grant enabling her to paint a series entitled: “The Bed: Archetypal and Ordinary.” Earlier she was juried into the prestigious American Watercolor Society’s annual show, winning an award and being elected into the traveling show.

For two consecutive years she was designated a fellow in the Artist in Residency program at the Hambidge Center, Ga. One of her watercolors is featured in Nita Leland’s book: Confident Color: An Artist’s Guide to Harmony, Contrast and Unity.  Her paintings have been featured in many solo shows as well as many juried exhibitions

Zoole holds degrees from Agnes Scott College, the University of Colorado and North Texas University. She is the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship. Her serious pursuit of art followed these academic milestones with the intensive study of watermedia with nationally known artists. The pursuit of her contemporary work coincides with her painting of Byzantine icons.

Zoole paints in her studio at home in Spartanburg, S.C. and in her studio retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains nearby.

– article submitted by Gregory Wright