Live happily, you're worth it. Spotlighting Stories That Inspire Part of my creative life has been devoted to spotlighting people who follow their passion for the natural world or social change. I’ve done this through documentary films, illustrations, and collaborations with people from all walks of life. Today I'd like to highlight John Walsh, an author/illustrator and graphic novelist whose work immediately caught my attention. I introduced John to filmmaker Bob Nesson for his documentary project Holding Up the Sky (where I served as an early creative advisor); the “matchmaking” worked! Bob’s newly completed film is a compelling portrait of resilience, hope, and “paying it forward.” The film follows two men navigating life after prison under the shadow of lifetime parole, revealing how education, mentorship, and hope can rebuild lives, yet true freedom still remains out-of-reach. John’s illustrations are powerful components of the story that complement the film footage. If you’re in the Boston area, you can see the premiere screening of Holding Up the Sky in Somerville on September 10. I’ll be away (wearing my illustrator cap), but I hope some of you can attend. Seating is limited and is first come, first served; RSVP here to secure your spot! The screening kicks off a larger national impact campaign that will bring the film to schools, community centers, faith organizations, and workplaces across Massachusetts and beyond — especially those invested in second-chance hiring, parole reform, and equity in education. Holding Up The Sky Below are just a few of John Walsh's illustrations in Holding Up The Sky: Mark Me as a “Safe Sender” I recently created a new email address to use only for sending out this e-newsletter. To ensure that my e-news lands in your inbox instead of your SPAM folder, please add this new email address to your list of safe contacts: sue@susanadeleedwards.com. Thanks! Stay in touch with me on Instagram and LinkedIn! Please feel free to forward this email to anyone you think might like it. Thanks for reading! All the best, If you like this email, please tell your friends to subscribe to this irregular publication :-) |
I am an artist and documentarian working in pencil, pastel, and film to convey my love of people and the planet. Please subscribe to my irregular email.
Live happily, you're worth it. Rivers of Inspiration Looking toward the Missouri River from a truss bridge over Charette Creek in Marthasville, Missouri on a bicycle adventure on the 240-mile long Katy Trail. A painting study by Susan Edwards. June is National Rivers Month, a time to celebrate the waterways that sustain life and connect us to the natural world. It’s the perfect season to enjoy a river, whether by hiking, paddling, birding, or making art along its banks. I’m lucky to live near...
Live happily, you're worth it. From Porch to Print — Weaving Pen, Ink, and Imagination I often draw in pen and ink while sitting on my front porch (or wherever inspiration strikes :-) — sometimes with a little creature stopping by to keep me company. Once the drawings are done, I digitize them along with textures I’ve collected, like netting or lace. From there, I start composing digitally — layering, rearranging, and sometimes altering the drawings by adding or removing elements, like I did...
Live happily, you're worth it. Come to the Exhibit Closing Reception: Saturday, 4/26! "Journey to the Rhizosphere" has been going strong since April 1st at the Harris Center for Conservation Education; staff say visitors of all ages have been loving it! Join us for the closing reception on Saturday, April 26th, from 3:00 - 5:00 PM for a drop-in, sensory-filled celebration of soil life, art, and community. Here’s what’s in store: Make a miniature microbe mobile! Bioelectric underground signals...