Multidisciplinary creator. Suzanne is based on the Central Coast, Australia. In the past her creativity has wielded her in many directions, her current creations are illuminated through her abstract expressionistic acrylic based mixed media artworks on canvas.
Born in Glen Innes in 1965. Moved to Dubbo 1966. Moved to Central Coast 1972.
Nurtured by her Dutch mum’s creativity Suzanne excelled in creative expression in many facets. Coming first in her first art exam in year 7 involved painting, caused her to identify her natural artistic ability.
Suzanne’s painting was initially inspired by her delight to create portraits of her family as heirlooms. Desiring to break out of familiarity she became interested in local beach and landscapes exploring abstraction, in places where she walked that offered a sense of mental and emotional release for her in difficult times. Throughout the years, her artistic abilities continued to flourish in all she put her hand to and her ability to empower others creatively also became evident.
In 2015, Suzanne and her family took a trip to Europe where she had the privilege of painting in Monet’s garden. Upon observation of Monet’s work she could see how deeply Monet had involved himself in the expression of his environment, inspired thoroughly by a life-filled environment both internally and externally. Suzanne sought to evoke this same depth of freedom in her own work.
Over the years experiences of loss and grief sparked within her a search for inner freedom, comfort and peace. Realising the need to seek emotional release caused her to see that her art began to carry a depth of expression and a sense of relinquishment, motivating her to gain a Diploma of Art Therapy in 2017.
Suzanne’s artistry developed further over the years, seeking enriching experiences she embarked on Art Adventures in 2013 and 2016 with Paul Macklin, Peter Griffen, Ambrose Reisch and Denise Lithgow in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia, who encouraged her to pursue her art, she completed a Bachelor of Fine Art in 2023. Suzanne sells her art regularly, entering local exhibits as well as holding her own.
In every season Suzanne has continued to see her art and creativity rise to new levels. Life’s challenges have only enhanced her creative expression causing her to dig deep where she has found a sense of relinquishment in times of grief, loss and trauma. Her understanding is that painful things have actually paved a path for her to discover the true essence of joy, peace and inner life. Her own quest and realisation for the need of inner life, irrespective of circumstances, is exuded in her emotive gestural mark-making. Her desire is that others might also experience and discover this same sense of liberty.
Suzanne enjoys painting en plein air, by the beach, in her garden, on a mountain top, wherever her senses are invigorated through the sights and sounds of a life-filled environment. Suzanne has a discerning eye, her process is often sparked by inspiration or revelation where she then works intuitively in layers with a chosen medium, currently through mixed media including acrylic, charcoal, pastel, gouache and collage, allowing each layer and application to contribute to the overall voice of her work.
Suzanne loves spending time with family and enjoys her beach walks which infuse expressiveness into her style. Her passion is ‘life’ and all that that relates to, an expose in her work. She values authenticity, aka unique un-staged moments of life filled with life, and loves to capture vibe, seeing her work as an anecdote to fill lifeless and dull spaces.
In her desire to create a positive experiential atmosphere for those seeking spirited uplifting life-filled contemplation, Suzanne is zealous in recognising the importance of nurturing a joyful environment both internally and externally.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10