Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Karhroody.
Hi Susan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember—it has always been my way of processing the world, its beauty, and its injustices. Over time, my practice grew from simple drawings into painting, sculpture, installation, and calligraphy, shaped deeply by my travels, my surroundings, and social issues, especially women’s rights and environmental concerns.
My work often uses allegory—blossoms representing lives lost, whirlpools symbolizing forces that silence people, and the uterus as a metaphor for resilience and creation. As president of LELA International Art Organization, I’ve also expanded my focus to supporting other artists in using their voices for peace and equality.
Today, my goal remains the same: to create work that invites people to come closer, look deeper, and engage with the hidden narratives within each piece.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many artists, I’ve faced moments of doubt, financial challenges, and the constant pressure of balancing life, work, and creativity. There were times when opportunities were limited, when my voice wasn’t fully heard, or when the subjects I cared about—especially women’s rights and social issues—felt too heavy to carry alone.
Working with emotionally charged themes has its own struggle. Creating pieces about loss, injustice, and resilience means revisiting painful stories, both personal and collective. And building a career in the arts while also supporting a community of artists has required patience, persistence, and a lot of learning.
But every challenge has shaped me. Those difficult moments pushed me to grow, evolve my practice, and stay committed to using art as a voice for change. The struggles became part of the journey—and they continue to remind me why I create.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is multidisciplinary—I paint, sculpt, create installations, and often incorporate calligraphy, natural materials, and symbolism. I’m known for using allegory to address women’s rights, social justice, and environmental issues. Whether it’s blossoms symbolizing people who lost their lives resisting oppression, whirlpools representing forces that silence us, or the uterus as a metaphor for resilience and creation, my pieces always hold hidden narratives that invite viewers to look deeper.
I specialize in creating work that blends beauty with meaning. Much of my art is interactive or immersive, encouraging audiences to participate and reflect, rather than simply observe. I’m also proud of integrating materials like welded wire, branches, mesh, embroidery, and gold leaf—each chosen intentionally to express vulnerability, strength, and transformation.
What sets me apart is that my work is not just visual; it’s a voice. It advocates, remembers, questions, and urges people to pay attention. I’m especially proud of the “Come Closer” exhibition and my “Roots of Life,” “Fallen Blossoms,” and “Moon’s Gaze” series, because they open a space for dialogue about women’s stories, global injustices, and our shared humanity.
At the end of the day, my goal is to create art that moves people—art that makes them pause, think, and feel connected to something bigger.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Yes — I’d love readers to know that beyond creating my own work, I’m deeply committed to connecting artists around the world. Curating exhibitions and building platforms for artists to share their voices has become an important part of my mission. I believe art can be a powerful force for peace, justice, and understanding, and bringing artists together only amplifies that impact.
I’m also incredibly grateful for the support of my family and friends throughout this journey. Their encouragement has allowed me to keep growing, creating, and advocating through my art.
My hope is always to create spaces—both through my own work and through the communities I help build—where stories can be shared, conversations can begin, and people feel inspired to look closer and care deeper.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Skfineart.com
- Instagram: Su.kfineart
- Facebook: Susan Karhroody
- LinkedIn: Susan Karhroody
