Sue Schlabach: Finding Beauty in Creativity and Everyday Life

Sue Schlabach is an artist, photographer, and maker who draws inspiration from the rural landscapes of Vermont, where she lives with her family while renovating an old brick house. Her passion for creating extends beyond art, encompassing food, gardening, textiles, and photography—each an expression of her love for craftsmanship and storytelling.

Though she studied painting and photography in the late 1980s, Sue found it challenging to fully pursue her art until a pivotal visit to Charleston, the English country home of painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. Inspired by the home’s hand-painted interiors and the artists’ spontaneous approach, Sue embraced the freedom to create without hesitation. The experience, coupled with the uninhibited creativity of her young daughter, helped her silence her inner critic and fully commit to her artistic journey.

Sue’s work blends ink, paint, paper, wood, and canvas, often incorporating vintage materials to add texture and depth. Her process reflects both simplicity and spontaneity, capturing the beauty of everyday moments and natural elements. Whether painting a vibrant landscape, photographing a fleeting moment, or crafting with found objects, Sue’s art reflects her belief that creativity is about connection—both with the world around us and with the stories we carry within.