Susan Fox, An Artist of Distinction
Have you noticed the Walking Spiral Labyrinth on Intrepid Drive while on your way to the boat dock or into Wilson Park? You may wonder what it is or why it is there.
This environmental installation was envisioned by Susan Fox, a North Kingstown Environmental Artist who appreciates the value of experiencing art in many forms. The Labyrinth was installed by a group of 30 plus volunteers who worked tirelessly to create this space where people could come for focused contemplation in a quiet atmosphere.
When you are in the area near Wilson Park, you might want to stop by and experience an unexpected feeling of peace as you walk this installation that was built completely with New England Rocks. Susan is both an artist and an educator. She enjoys providing opportunities for others to experience the emotional and spiritual impact that creating and viewing various art forms can have on us. She understands how art can strengthen our humanness and our connection to our world, and especially enjoys encouraging others to explore the wonder of nature while coming to appreciate their own ability to create beauty.
In 2024, the dedication of this installation was held in Wilson park. This event was replete with music, story telling, poetry and a strong connection to the natural world. Attendees were encouraged to plant Thyme between the rocks, to talk with live trees and to simply feel the presence of the earth within the group.
Another of Susan’s many delights in the arts has been her work with the Christoper Carbon Educational Program at Salve Regina in Newport. The program incorporates art, nature and ecology while encouraging students to take pad and pallets outside where they can “watch the ants, the trees, the birds and even the grass.” After their art explorations, students are encouraged to write about their experience and how it may have transformed them in some way. This, Susan observed, enables participants to become aware of the positive effects their world can have on them and how they might want to respond to this inspiration.
Throughout her career Susan has explored various art forms such as drawing outside with pastels, painting, sculpture, and now, outdoor environmental installations. One of her greatest inspirations has been the book, “The Garden of Cosmic Speculation” in Scotland. This magnificent garden celebrates nature, both intellectually and through the senses as is the intent of .
Despite the large amount of energy the installation in Wilson Park required, Susan is already onto her next project. It will be near Quonset in the Yorktown section of North Kingstown and will be in honor of the US sunken ships during WWII.
Plans show a meandering walkway that will offer a bird corridor and spots for visitors to stop and appreciate the beauty of nature and possibly an appreciation of those who went before us to protect our country. It’s interesting to know that all of the street names in Yorktown are named after disabled air craft carriers during the war.
It seems as if Susan has always been responsive to the effect the arts and our environment can have on individuals. She stresses that becoming “one with the Arts” inspires individuals and makes us want to explore creating our own art work. You may find the book, Visual Journeying by Barbara Gamin & Susan Fox quite inspiring. It is available online.
