Sue Baker: A Journey of Artistic Passion and Expression

Rejected, 2018, Oil on Canvas, 38x60cm, ‘The inspiration for this painting was the poignancy of the news of the elderly seeking warmth in local shopping malls during winter. This work portrays the stark contrast of the optimism of childhood and the despondency of old age in western society’

Art has always been a primary driving force for Sue. Her passion for art motivates her to explore new places, visit galleries, and attend exhibitions. Sue recalls how, in high school, she realized she could draw the things she saw around her quite well. This discovery led her to experiment with painting and attend numerous hobby art workshops while raising her children and building her career. Sue also satisfied her love for art by visiting galleries and collecting artworks that resonated with her. In 2010, a pivotal moment arrived when she enrolled as a mature-age student in Fine Arts at the University of Tasmania, eventually earning her Bachelor, Honours, and Masters degrees in Fine Art and Design.

Her artistic style, described by others as somewhat surreal and leaning towards 'simple' realism, brings narratives of everyday life to canvas. Sue enjoys painting people and structures, though she sometimes indulges in birds, cats, or seascapes. Despite finding landscapes challenging, her unique perspective shines through her work.

Influenced by the strong lines, colours and narratives of Edward Hopper and the technical excellence of Anne Wallace and Amber Koroluk-Stephenson, Sue’s work resonates with simplicity and realism. These artists’ ability to convey compelling stories through their art inspires Sue to do the same.

Objects of Desire, 2018, Oil on offset Printed Canvas, 29.5x29.5cm, This work asks us to consider whether an individual’s choice is about the object’s functional utility or whether it reflects a desire to integrate the brand’s symbolic meaning and its price into selfconcept and to legitimize one’s social status?

Sue’s creative process is deeply introspective. Her artwork starts with a strong emotion or concern, accompanied by vivid mental images. For Sue, creating a painting is an introverted activity requiring minimal external influence until the idea is drafted onto the canvas. Once she has an idea, she takes photos or searches for reference images, creating a collage or sketch to see if it works as a painting. Sue meticulously prepares her canvas and builds her compositions with careful planning.

Oil paint is Sue's medium of choice for its forgiving nature and ease of manipulation. She often employs glazing techniques to enhance depth and uses a unique method for mixing blacks. Despite facing challenges like overcoming creative blocks, Sue continually seeks growth by exploring new techniques and finding inspiration from the art of others.

Sue's work has evoked strong emotional responses from viewers, a testament to her ability to convey powerful narratives through her art. She recalls a memorable experience when a viewer was moved to tears by one of her paintings, feeling a deep resonance with the emotions Sue was portraying. For Sue, such moments are the pinnacle of artistic success, indicating her work’s ability to communicate and connect deeply with others.

Stay tuned for Sue’s latest pieces and connect with the vibrant community of artists she continues to inspire. Sue’s journey reminds us that  art is a powerful method of personal expression that has the power to touch hearts and minds.

Pink Pyjamas, 2011, Oil on Canvas, 67x45cm