about the artist
Ssusan Forte O’Neill, Artist, Author, Teacher and Visionary, learned early on that the ”gift of the heart” would be her treasured compassion of life to share with others. Throughout her journey she has chosen to express the mission of the “giving heart” to others both professionally and artistically.
Ms. Forte Neill began her career as an entrepreneur launching several small businesses and is currently president and founder of Forte Designs, A Full-Service Business Development and Public Affairs Firm Creating Innovative Solutions for Today and Tomorrow… Ms. Forte O’Neill spends much of her time interfacing with Academic, Business, Policy and Community Leaders to promote economic.
As an accomplished artist, Ms. Forte O’Neill enjoys working in various mediums from large-scale paintings, to sumi-style pen and ink drawings to the gift of sewing with fibers and fabrics. Throughout her artist career she has participated in several individual and group art shows, receiving awards and recognitions for her works. She has launched a line of one-of-a-kind , hand-sewn handbags combining her love of color, texture and fashion. The line has been sold in specialty stores throughout the country including such notable locations as The Textile Museum, Petina and the LF Boutiques.
She has created a line of a line of notecards published by Blue Mountain Arts and has authored three books. Her book,“ A Journey to Rediscover Your Heart”, Remembering Who You Are”, is a to guide to rediscover one’s heartfelt dreams and learn how to incorporate them in all aspects of life. The book entitled "Herman" is a collection of short stories written about nature, imagination and dreams for children of all ages. The book of “Herman” has been recognized as a children’s book on nature by The Huntington Library Collection/Botanical Gardens Children’s Library in California. Her most recent book, “A Pocketbook of Joy”, is a whimsical collection of inspirational drawings and writings.
Ms. Forte O’Neill currently resides in Southern California her with her husband and son. She fills her days with inspiration from puttering in her English-style garden, walking with nature, cooking, sharing in conversations with family and friends and exploring new paths of life to spawn new creative works.
Ms. Forte O’Neill was trained in Fine Arts at George Washington University, in Washington, D.C. She enjoys bridging her love of history and politics from her Washington, D.C. roots with the lightness of her current southern California residence to create her masterful pieces. Her art, writings and designs are regularly featured in various media and on-line outlets such as; The Washingtonian Magazine, Haute Handbags Magazine, Amazon, MomCentral and Etsy.
