About the Artist

Susan Schaefer was raised on a farm in central Saskatchewan. Her passion for color and art began at a young age. After graduating from high school, she moved to the west and continued her artistic journey. She attended various classes in painting and design at the University of Alberta while working full-time with the Alberta government. In the early 1980s, she enrolled in a summer class at the Emily Carr College of Art & Design in Vancouver, which was a pivotal moment in her artistic career.

Susan then moved from west to east, settling in Toronto, where she focused on graphic design and learned everything she could about the printing process. She attended night classes while starting her own design and publishing company. Many of her clients were artists and art galleries, keeping her connected to the arts.

In 1999 Susan returned to Saskatchewan and purchased a home on an acreage in the historic Qu'Appelle Valley. She started Young At Art, a graphic arts company that thrives today. She quickly became involved with the artists' guilds and organized art retreats and workshops.

In 2007, Susan moved to Vancouver Island and established Island Arts Magazine, a printed publication that showcases West Coast artists. In March 2008, the magazine was launched and is now an online publication with five issues per year, reaching a global audience.

Susan enjoys teaching art classes, year-round gardening, long walks on the beach with her husband, Jeff and playing with their mini Aussi, Chace. 

She believes in the quote "Love what you do…and do what you love" by Dr. John F. Demartini.