By Sabina Dana Plasse
A Susan Wechsler mosaic is more than just an alluring and exquisite piece of fine art. It is a unique work that embodies Wechsler’s creative and personal journey, which she expresses through her unique perspectives, experiences, and insights, especially in her Cowgirls series.
Wechsler’s Cowgirls series stands out as one of the finest examples of her mixed media mosaic process. This technique showcases her strong sense of color and texture, along with patterns and various sourced items combined to reveal beautiful, powerful, and captivating women cowgirls. These authentic women of the West in mosaic form embody a spirit and presence unlike that of men, as they are not only beautiful but also grounded, sensual, and strong.
“I’m the quintessential ‘cowgirl,’” Wechsler states. “This new series captures my feelings about fierce, independent women—confident, larger than life, colorful, and vibrant. I’m completely obsessed with this new series. It represents my best work, and I’m developing several more cowgirls be-cause I still have so much more to express about their strength, attitude, and history.”
“I’m often asked why I don’t create mosaics of cowboys. It’s because they don’t interest me as much. I think it is the ‘century for women,’ and this is my way of representing them through my art and showing their valiance.”
◄ Susan Wechsler, Artist (October 1967, Age 6)
Growing up on a farm and riding horses in the 1970s, Wechsler spent many summers in the Colorado mountains, riding, hiking, and enjoying nature. She connects with her cowgirl subjects from an intrinsic perspective. “My first horse was named Rusty,” she recalls. “He was a ‘cowpony’ and more like a pet dog. I would let him run around the property without a bridle and fed him cake at all my birthday parties.”
Inspired by 20th century pop artist Andy Warhol, Wechsler’s passion for creating mosaic cowgirls stems from her admiration for Warhol’s vibrant silkscreen portraits of his favorite and important people. The inspiration from Warhol is clearly reflected in her Cowgirls series, which
features bright, bold colors and exotic, reflective materials that make each piece captivating. You become immersed and curious to learn more whenever you view a Cowgirls mosaic.
“As a mixed media mosaic artist working in a large format, I’m primarily interested in the character of my cowgirl faces, focusing on their fabulous cowboy hats,” says Wechsler. “These are large, shadowy cowboy hats, and the attitude of the pose, often shading the face, creates dramatic shadows and mysterious angles and gazes.”
Wechsler’s mosaic method is a common practice for her, beginning with a background of antique china that represents the old wallpaper peeling off farmhouse walls. Next, plates from China embody the Chinese influence in the Wild West’s development, along with the colorful Colorado blue skies she sees daily from her studio.
“I recently bought an entire pallet of antique metal trim or chain from my favorite fashion vendor in New York City who is retiring. I treasure these items because they represent the past, what was crafted then, and what cannot be duplicated today. I enhance the cowgirl’s grand hats with these cherished treasures,” she says. “The lips are all made from Italian smalti. They are the focal point of the face, and, most importantly, they identify the subject as female. There’s something about large, colorful, full lips that speaks to me—feminine energy.”
Wechsler’s attention to detail also encompasses the cowgirl’s hidden expression, a significant artistic feature in each mosaic that is unique in color and style. The artistry in depicting each cowgirl separately can be as simple as a defining line or a thoughtfully arranged grouping of mixed materials. Wechsler continually seeks unique, organic items to incorporate into her art, and her use of vintage beads, enchanting gems, crystals, and various other discarded treasures that she recovers and discovers contribute to her impressive outcomes.
“Every woman can relate to the color of her hair,” says Wechsler. “There are blondes, brunettes, and salt-and-peppers. All their hair is long and flowing, crafted from vintage tube beads.” She adds, “I’m often asked why I don’t create mosaics of cowboys. It’s because they don’t interest me as much. I believe it is the ‘Century for Women,’ and this is my way of representing them through my art and showcasing their valiance.”
About Susan Wechsler: Susan Wechsler grew up spending time in Sun Valley, Idaho, and Aspen, Colorado, and found her home in the West. With a BFA and an MFA from New York University’s Tisch School of Arts, she is also a self-taught mosaic artist.
As the story of the Cowgirls unfolds before you, Wechsler’s intention becomes clear through vibrant colors and a variety of collected materials that engage one’s interest. The mosaics of Cowgirls are beautiful icons revealing a place, time, and purpose, providing a unique perspective and emotional resonance. There’s something more to the tilt of their heads, the shadow of a rim, or a direct gaze that is impossible to ignore.
“I created Cowgirls to fulfill my desire to portray strong women and highlight their stories,” says Wechsler. “These portraits are commanding and visually striking, much like the women themselves, and with my pop art style, their strength and purpose are compelling, yet more intentional.”
“I CREATED COWGIRLS TO FULFILL MY DESIRE TO PORTRAY STRONG WOMEN AND HIGHLIGHT THEIR STORIES. THESE PORTRAITS ARE COMMANDING AND VISUALLY STRIKING, MUCH LIKE THE WOMEN THEMSELVES, AND WITH MY POP ART STYLE, THEIR STRENGTH AND PURPOSE ARE COMPELLING, YET MORE INTENTIONAL.”
–Susan Wechsler, Artist
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