My Artist Statement –
I’m a maker of jewellery, mostly using recycled materials. Although I have utilised many different types of materials in my jewellery making, I believe in being environmentally sustainable in my Practice, and try to always be mindful of my effect on the Environment. I grew up in 70’s suburban Brisbane, part of a very creative family, with my Mum, Dad, brother and Grandmother all being artistic and creative in different ways. And although I have always dabbled in many different mediums, I guess you could say I am more of an amateur who would like to improve my skills, and am interested in gaining more experience within this Visual Art degree.
The kinds of artists who inspire me are different contemporary Aboriginal artists, Australian fabric designers, global textile artists, and people like Margaret Olley, Vida Lahey, Albert Namatjira, Hans Heysen, Pro Hart, and many other Australian artists. I am inspired by, and have a deep passion for, Nature and the Environment. I am particularly in love with Australian flowers and plants, and wildlife. I am mostly interested in, and fascinated by, design and colour. Although I would also love to become more proficient at painting and drawing.
I AM STILL FINDING MY UNIQUE CREATIVE VOICE. And am enjoying doing the drawing and painting modules in this course to spark my imagination. I am also enjoying using different mediums, such as charcoal, in genres I have not studied before, including portraiture and life drawing.
There are a wealth of artists in our own backyard, and many who have gone before us, who have paved the way for future generations of artists, by their bold use of design and colour, and connection to Country. As an Australian, I too am connected to this Land. I too have a deep connection to where I grew up, and I believe that my connection is just as important as anyone else’s. I also love the beach, and exploring this landscape, which brings me joy. As a Country, I believe Australia has some significant and very difficult challenges ahead of us. Thus, I would also like to express my political views in my future artwork.
Artist’s Bio
Susan is an emerging Australian artist who is currently pursuing the Bachelor of Visual Arts, majoring in Studio Practice, at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. Newly moved to the picturesque city of Toowoomba, Queensland, from the nearby seething metropolis of Brisbane, Susan comes from a background in tax, accounting and administration. However, she has always been an artist and creative at heart, and is passionate about Nature, Politics and the Environment. Susan grew up in 1970’s suburban Brisbane, part of a very creative family, and her artistic influences were first and foremost her Mother, Father, and Grandmother, all of whom were artistic and creative in different ways. She was therefore always surrounded by art, which has impacted her strongly. She is interested in gaining more experience within this Visual Art degree, and is also interested in Life Drawing, Ceramics, Printing, Portraiture, Painting, Still Life, Jewellery Making and Design.
Identifying as someone with a disability, Susan uses art as an outlet for her emotions, and as a form of therapy, as she finds she can become very engrossed in what she is creating. Susan took up jewellery making during Covid, and because there were very limited or no face to face classes, taught herself mainly from YouTube videos and reading and practicing various techniques.
Exhibitions Entered –
Art from the Margins 2011,
Incognito Art Show, 2025.
Still Life…
