“Chobi” – Susu Attar

All it took was a Crayola box to inspire a young Susu Attar to let her inner artist shine. Fast forward to today and she’s a world-renowned artist who has shown her work everywhere from the Midwest to Dubai. In the midst of her busy schedule, she was able to sit down and tell us a bit about her educated path and what’s next as she continues to paint the town red, blue, green, yellow and whatever other colors she feels necessary.

Kendra: When you were going for your degree in painting, did you ever consider changing majors and going for something more traditional?

Susu Attar: Not changing majors but adding majors–I wish I could have had 5 or 6 majors! Education should be more interdisciplinary.

Kendra: You’ve had a couple of exhibitions at home in Los Angeles in 2018. What did you showcase and where were they?

Susu Attar: I showed Tracing the Arab World at the Institute for Art and Olfaction and Isthmus at The Mistake Room, both here in LA.

Kendra: Do you plan on having more LA-based exhibitions in 2019?

Susu Attar: No plans yet.

Kendra: A lot of your work showcases people as your subjects. Do you work from memory or do you like to sketch in public? If so, where’s the best place in LA to people watch/sketch?

Susu Attar: I work from both, depending on the series. I don’t usually sketch out my paintings, but I do love to sketch as I people watch. One of my favorite places is on the train. Take the train from DTLA to the beach with your preferred playlist and a sketchbook!

Kendra: Can you tell us a bit about being part of the SEPIA Art Collective and what it means to you to be a part of such a wonderful group?

Susu Attar: SEPIA is a group of multi-disciplinary artists who get together to for productions that celebrate art and community. The most important meaning for me to share is that the work requires relying on us to manifest our ideas, continuously learning new skills, and folding in people who want to help along the way.

Kendra: People often get asked what inspired them to start but what inspires you to continue?

Susu Attar: I try to cultivate a clear connection with my inner compass. I want to quit all the time, but it keeps directing me onward.

Kendra: Other than some possible LA-exhibitions, what’s shaping up for you in 2019?

Susu Attar: Part of the year will be spent as a USC Participatory Civic Media Fellow at the Annenberg Innovation Lab!