About the Founder

 

Susan Carmen-Duffy

I founded Create Art 4 Good in August of 2010. CA4G is the culmination of a lifetime of involvement in art,  with the ultimate goal of serving the community, especially those in need.

As of this posting (April 2020) I have been married for nearly forty years to my childhood sweetheart. We have been blessed with three amazing children, also three “other children” – their partners and a beautiful granddaughter. My family is the core of my world, without them I would not be nearly as motivated to make this world a better place.

Would you believe that I believe I have always been an artist? (and you have too!) Receiving a new set of crayons (with a sharpener) was one of my greatest joys as a child. Art supplies have always been a priority! One year I received a “Gumby” light board. (remember Gumby and Pokey?!) As I recall, I was about seven or eight when that happened. I thought it was pretty darn nifty. In fact, I used it to reproduce the magazine I was writing and illustrating. I proudly distributed copies to my family and friends on my mother’s onion skin paper. It was magical for me- I suppose I should have known then that writing and art would be in my future.

My work in art is a marriage of as many media as I can incorporate into one successful piece. I love the dreamy quality of watercolor, the layering ability of colored pencils, the pizzazz of ink and magic of collage. While I began my professional career in art with hand-built pottery; I love papers, clay, paint, metal, textiles and there is nothing quite like a .005 black micron pen. I have countless ideas roaming around my heart that still need to be created.  One of my fondest wishes is to have the opportunity to do just that. Until then, they sit inside waiting patiently to bloom while I work on one at a time.

My life long journey has been one filled with countless joys and quite a few sorrows, but through it all, I have been blessed with many lessons to learn and experiences to grow from. I might not have always started out in the right place, but eventually, with determination and countless blessings, I have arrived where exactly I should be.

Raised in a home where taking care of your fellow human and opening your heart and home was a necessity, I have been instilled with the idea that paying it forward and taking care of another IS what makes me a wealthy woman. I understand fully that my bank account will always be modest, I also understand fully that when I am doing what I love, sharing my work, I am the richest woman alive.

I like helping people. Some would suggest (my husband) I NEED to. I think artists (and other fine humans) get in their own way. I think that sometimes you just need someone to believe in you, to share experience and encouragement. This is part of my mission, to encourage other artists to be more successful. 

I also love the facilitation of art- as I mentioned earlier, I believe there is an artist in each of us. After researching, reading and experimenting with countless media, several genres I have discovered a few I am fairly adept in. The wonder is that I feel confident and blessed to share that with others. The miracle is when I watch their creative door open, their spirits settle, and their joy bloom. It’s one of the most incredible feelings I could ever express.

Create Art 4 Good is a lovely mix of art that has been facilitated and needs a permanent home and art that is yet to be created. You see I love the entire process, from beginning to end. I am passionate about art, the opportunity to make it and facilitate it for others. CA4G sort of created itself, I just happened to be blessed enough to pay attention.

So here I am, one blessed human on this incredible journey. I have been honored recently with recognition by magazines and the newspaper ( Artist with Heart, Vive La difference, Woman to Watch), 2014 Business Woman of the Year Award from the IACC as well as awards recognizing my art. I am thrilled to say that my art hangs across the globe, in homes and businesses. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to share this with you; however, I am excited to say that when I asked my granddaughter today what she wanted for her birthday, she asked me for a kite and a painting. To say that I feel like I have arrived is an understatement. When your five (nearly six) year old granddaughter wants a painting for her birthday- well, you have truly just won the jackpot! (This is now a fond memory, I just couldn’t take it off the page!)

I know my story is just beginning. Create Art 4 Good, will celebrate ten years in August. Let me be clear, I don’t think that this is about me. I really believe this is a mission, my mission. I believe that this is driven by divine power and I am just lucky enough to be a part of it. I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Edit: August 9, 2022- Today marks twelve years in business. I could never share all the joys the last twelve years have brought to my life. Make no mistake, there have been many challenges as well. However… while Create Art 4 Good has changed and grown, it is still my heart business, and onward we go. Thank you for your support and your love. 

be blessed always,

Susan