Susy Siddens
Originally from England and now based in Sonoma County, California, Susy is an emerging artist working under the name Fat Pencils. Her creative journey began over a decade ago and has evolved into a focused exploration of playful, pattern-based artwork.
With a background in the arts—as an exhibitions coordinator, private gallery director, and research archivist for painter Nathan Oliveira—Susy brings a deep appreciation for visual storytelling. She now serves as managing director of a graphic design agency and has been a regular guest speaker at San Francisco State University.
Previously part of the San Francisco artists collective Big Umbrella Studios, Susy continues to build her practice in Sebastopol. She documents her process on Instagram, setting creative intentions, taking classes, and dedicating evenings and weekends to her art. Now in her sixth year of focused exploration, Susy’s work reflects a commitment to joy, growth, and finding her artistic voice.
Why Fat Pencils?
When she started Fat Pencils, Susy was drawing every day and she loved the name—it made her smile, it’s easy, joyful and memorable. Although she transitioned to working in ink and, more recently, to mixed media, simple line drawings remain at the heart of Fat Pencils, regardless of any sculptural or painterly explorations still to come.
Werkstatt Point Reyes
Lilia Ramachandran’s store in Point Reyes Station, California carries my paintings, holiday ornaments and greeting cards.
I have an obsession with pattern, contrast and texture that drives all of my work.
Artist Statement
In the work I’m currently doing, I explore the power of simplicity and repetition to quiet my mind and sooth my soul. The minimal use of color creates space for stillness, and a refuge where, even in a time of grief and loss, there is room for joy and contemplation. The repetitive patterns calm my anxiety and provide a grounded, meditative rhythm that invites you to pause, breathe, and reflect.
My current work is about embracing the imperfect with intention. The beauty is in the details, the textures, and the quietness of each piece. It’s not about trying to understand or analyze—it’s about feeling. The simplicity encourages mindfulness and offers a moment of peace, a space where you can let go of tension and find a sense of contentment.
It’s my hope that my art creates for you a moment of deep presence, where time slows, and the ordinary world fades away just enough to reveal clarity and calm. My intention is that my work does more than just occupy space; it invites you to spend time with it, to feel its quiet energy, and to find peace in the imperfections.
Press
2025
• Mar: CanvasRebel interview can be viewed at canvasrebel.com/daily-inspiration-meet-susy-siddens
2024
• Nov: Bold Journey Magazine interview can be viewed at boldjourney.com/meet-susy-siddens
• Oct: CanvasRebel interview can be viewed at canvasrebel.com/meet-susy-siddens
2021
• Oct: The Art Beat Club interview can be viewed at theartbeatclub.com/blog-english
Exhibitions
2025
• Jun 2–Jun 30, Artist of the Month show in association with Mill Valley Arts Commission, Fez Mill Valley, CA
• Apr–Nov, Taking It Outdoors banner, Community Center, Point Richmond, CA
Apr 13–May 18, 2-person show with Candice Fuhrman, Point Richmond Gallery, CA
• Mar 1–Jun 30, Painting in group show 10XTEN, Faultline Artspace, Oakland, CA
• Wall Hangings, Madrona Bakery, Mill Valley, CA
• Wall Hangings, Tinozzi Chiropractic, Corte Madera, CA
• Paintings & Greeting Cards, Werkstatt, Point Reyes Station, CA
2024
• Dec: Cards and Ornaments: Werkstatt; Point Reyes Station, CA
• Dec 2: Cards, Wall Hanging and Tea & Coffee Rocks, Richmond Yacht Club Artists Fair, CA
• Nov: Wall Hangings, The Tinozzi Massage Studio, Corte Madera, CA
• Nov 2–24: Coffee Rock, Jag Gallery Small Works Exhibit, juried international group exhibition, Key West, FL
• Sep 18–Oct 12: Wall Hanging, Forage: Ocean group exhibition at Dorado 806 Projects, Santa Monica, CA
• Aug: Point Richmond Art Fair, CA
• Jul 30–Sep 28: Wall Hangings (4), Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art, Naturalist Gallery Sculpture Collection juried international group exhibition, online
• Jul 25–Sep 28: Wall Hanging, Art Fluent: This Land juried international group exhibition, online
• Jul 21: Wall Hanging and Tea & Coffee Rocks, Third Sunday Arts & Crafts & Beyond Festival, Arts of Point Richmond booth, CA
• Jun 29–Jan 26: Wall Hanging, Lara’s Fine Dining, Point Richmond, CA
• Jun–Jul: Tea & Coffee Rocks, Upside, Mill Valley, CA
• Jun–Jul: Wall Hangings, Cedar Street Gallery, Berkeley, CA
• Jun–Jan: Wall Hangings, Madrona Bakery, Mill Valley, CA
• Mar–Aug: Wall Hanging, The Perish Trust, San Francisco, CA
• Feb–Nov: Wall Hangings, The Sanctuary by Tinozzi Chiropractic, Corte Madera, CA
• Feb–Apr: Painting, The 6000 Circle Project, Arc Gallery, San Francisco, CA
• Jan–Feb: Papier-mâché Sculptures, Werkstatt, Marin Art & Garden, Ross, CA
2023
• Dec: Ornaments, Werkstatt, Marin Art & Garden, Ross, CA
• Aug: Papier-mâché Sculpture, Language Arts at Rock Paper Scissors Collective, Oakland, CA
2022
• Papier-mâché Sculptures and Works on Paper, Excellence, Larkspur, CA
2014
• Papier-mâché Sculptures, Rabat, San Francisco, CA
2013
• Papier-mâché Sculptures, Joie de Vivre at Big Umbrella Studios, San Francisco, CA
2010
• Mixed Media and Sculpture, Arzo Stylist, Union Square, San Francisco, CA
2008
• Leaf Collages, The Ugly Mug, Soquel, CA
• Leaf Collages, Emerald Hills Café & Roastery, Emerald Hills, CA