The Gift of Creation

Susan Swartz prays about every painting. An award-winning artist, Susan signs all her work “GTG” (Glory to God) and says she likes to paint what God created, so people who see her work will stop and think about Who is truly behind the beauty.  

While artists usually dream of shows, galleries, and museums, Susan says she never could ask for that and simply prayed that God would use her. When her children were born, in fact, she gave up her aspirations for gallery shows, awards, and European tours (all of which were already within grasp) to raise her children. Once they graduated from college, Susan decided to grow her talent again, though she says she never really expected to pick up where she left off.  

But diving in full time, Susan unknowingly caught the attention of the Salt Lake Olympic Committee who chose her as their 2002 Olympic Environmental Artist. Now, on top of achieving numerous awards, her work is on display in Olympic museums in Switzerland and Utah and she recently released a book displaying her art: Natural Revelations.

“I do believe God is blessing me now with the decisions I made so many years ago,” she said. “I could have been painting full force and never have what God has given me – Olympic artist and a solo museum show.”  

Susan has been a Breakthrough Intercessor for over 20 years. “I started off as an Intercessor Prayer Warrior. And as I grew in my faith and started hosting studies in my home, there were so many people I knew to pray for that I began sending in my own requests as well.”

“Susan is a long time friend of Breakthrough,” said Elizabeth Smith, a Breakthrough board member.  “Some of her inspiring art hangs in our Breakthrough headquarters and when Susan gifted us with the new book of her art work we rejoiced anew in the gifts God has given her.”

As for the future, Susan says that having published her first book and having a major museum show, she would love more of the same.  “But in reality, I’d like to be able to create that which He created–to have folks see and feel something different in my work,” she said. “Just to cause someone to stop and think about Who created all of this – and to know that I am being used is the greatest gift I could have.”