Stuck in a goldfish bowl

Suzie’s interpretation of being “stuck in a goldfish bowl,” creates an interesting contrast against a bright and defined background against what was a gloomy time of life. The figure of Suzie is surrounded by water, symbolising confinement and isolation (this piece was created during Covid19 lockdown).

The goldfish bowl itself is meticulously detailed, with light reflecting off its surface, creating shimmering highlights and shadows. The glass captures the viewer’s attention, emphasising the feeling of being trapped within its confines. The distortions caused by the curved glass add a sense of disorientation and unease. This can be interpreted as a representation of the unknown or a world beyond reach, enhancing the feeling of being confined, isolated, and disconnected from the larger world.

The Final Corner

Suzie has a passion for capturing the essence of friendships through her realistic portraits. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human expressions, Suzie’s artistry brings out the unique personalities of her subject matter.

Suzie begins her artistic process by carefully studying reference photographs provided by her clients. She pays close attention to facial features, body language, and the emotional dynamics. Every stroke is purposeful and deliberate, capturing not just the physical likeness of her subjects, but also their inner spirit. The richness of shading and fine lines create a sense of depth and dimension, making the portraits seem almost three-dimensional.

Going out to Birdsville

Travelling to Birdsville, was a great source of inspiration for a travelling artist like Suzie. Birdsville is located in the remote outback region of Australia, offering unique landscapes, wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage. The outback landscapes around Birdsville are breathtaking. From vast deserts and sand dunes to rugged mountain ranges and dry riverbeds, there is a diverse range of scenery to capture.

Suzie’s Key notes on her experience: “Take your time to immerse yourself in the surroundings, observe the details, and let your creativity flow. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and techniques as you interpret your impressions in your artwork”.

Delivering art tours for Maitland Regional Art Gallery

Being an art tour guide for the Maitland Regional Art Gallery was a rewarding and enriching experience for Suzie. As an art tour guide, her role involved leading groups of visitors through the gallery, providing them with information about the artworks on display, and facilitating meaningful discussions about the art.

Suzie’s strong knowledge and understanding of art, and her passion for sharing art with others was vital to her success in this role.

Packing room in the NSW Art Gallery

Nobby’s Lighthouse Residency

The Newcastle Nobbys Lighthouse Artist-in-Residence program, is an opportunity for artists like Suzie to spend time and create artwork inspired by the iconic structure and surrounds. This unique experience of living and working in close proximity to the lighthouse, allowed Suzie to immerse herself in its history, environment, and surrounding landscape.

Ashleigh Wilson and Suzie West packing for the Archibald Prize

Ashleigh Wilson is a well-known Australian arts journalist and author. Wilson has written extensively about the arts and cultural scene in Australia, including covering the Archibald Prize as part of his journalism work. He has also authored books that delve into various aspects of Australian culture and art.

Suzie’s submission to the Archibald

The Archibald Prize is one of Australia’s most prestigious art competitions, specifically focused on portraiture, and it has certain guidelines and requirements that artists must adhere to. It’s important for artists like Suzie to carefully review and follow the specific requirements and guidelines they are participating in. Each competition may have its own unique set of rules and regulations that artists need to adhere to when preparing their artwork for submission.

Looking over Stockton

In this captivating artwork Suzie transports us to the picturesque shores of Stockton Beach, where the meeting of land and sea is a symphony of natural beauty.

The scene unfolds with an expanse of blue sea stretching as far as the eye can see, illuminated by the warm rays of sunlight that ever so slightly dance upon its surface. It’s subtle contours are sculpted by the ever-present Newcastle coastal winds; it’s rhythmic motion a testament to the areas natural beauty.

Big Rain Coming

In this striking artwork, Suzie boldly explores unconventional artistic techniques, utilising raw materials that challenge traditional notions of paint. Through her innovative approach, Suzie has ingeniously incorporated crushed up stone as a medium, infusing the canvas with a unique texture and depth.

With every brushstroke, the coarse particles create an intriguing juxtaposition against the smoothness of the canvas, resulting in a visually captivating interplay of light and shadow.