Sue French
Sue French’s artistic path has been anything but conventional. Overcoming a series of early challenges, French’s passion for art has never waned and after dabbling in various artistic pursuits throughout her life, she is now fully immersed in her creative practice, exploring her artistic voice with a renewed sense of purpose.
“[Creativity] is like finally being able to let something actually come out of me…something that’s been suppressed or repressed for most of my life.”
Sue’s current work is experimental and driven by an investigative process. She often works with unconventional materials like curtain lining, fabric, house paint, and even hay and charcoal from a fire. French embraces the tactile and textural qualities of her materials, letting the environment guide her creations. Her art is a reflection of her fascination with the natural world and the sensory experiences that modern life often overlooks.
For Sue, creativity is a personal and freeing force. Her work is not about seeking approval or pleasing others; it is about reconnecting with the world around her and expressing that connection through her art. French also finds joy and inspiration in her garden, which she tends to with the same care and attention she gives her paintings. Through her art, Sue has found a path back to the simplicity and wonder of childhood, where play and exploration are at the heart of her creative practice.
By channeling her creativity as a deeply personal and freeing force, she uses unconventional materials to explore the natural world around her in Piopio. For her, art is about reconnecting with her surroundings and expressing that connection through playful, tactile experimentation.