March 31st, 2024Artists of the Central Highlands

With Eve Lamb

Lyonville artist Suzi Donovan is not sure how to describe her artistic style. She is still experimenting with landscapes, clouds and still life but also trying seascapes, rocks and forests. Also extending into abstract work, this local creative is busy right now preparing for her first public exhibition, together with fellow artist Gayle Cykner, at Trentham’s Cosmpolitan Hotel.

Eve: How did you come to art?

Suzi: From an early age I always wanted to be a fine artist. My parents steered me into graphic design.

Eve: How did you nurture your innate arts talent? Studies?

Suzi: As a teenager I went to the Maryland Institute College of Arts (in the US) where I did a three-month course in drawing the human form from skeleton to skin. I learned to “see” as an artist. It was amazing. As a graphic designer before computers, I was trained in all disciplines – illustration, photography, drawing, typography and design. In my 30s I took up watercolours and botanical art for many years.

Eve: Where do you do most of your art work Suzi? Where is your home studio?

Suzi: I now work in what was the potting shed at my home in Lyonville. There is lots of natural light and I’m nestled right in the garden which is lovely. There are sparrows nesting in the roof who chatter away constantly.

Eve: That sounds like a suitable ambience for creative endeavour. Can I ask you which artists have influenced your work?

Suzi: I love the work of John Olsen, Fred Williams, Margaret Olley, Manet, Monet, Chagall, Matisse and Brett Whiteley.

Eve: Are there any other factors that have influenced your creative practice?

Suzi: I have always been an observer. I am very influenced by the beautiful landscapes and skyscapes surrounding us here in the Macedon Ranges. I love colour – colour is important to me.

Eve: Yes we are so lucky here with our landscapes and skyscapes. What is your media of choice?

Suzi: I now paint in oils. On holiday I take my drawing journal, pencils and watercolours.

Eve: What is your subject matter of choice?

Suzi: I paint landscapes because everywhere I look around me is a beautiful painting. I paint the clouds because the sky is so big here. The clouds are so big. I paint a still life of something important to me – my nana’s vase, my grandmother’s teapot or homegrown veggies on a kitchen bench.

Eve: The beautiful things in life! Have you ever worked in any other areas besides working as an artist?

Suzi: I am a yoga teacher. I have taught yoga asana, pranayama, meditation and yoga Nidra to children, teenagers and adults for about 20 years. The practice of yoga has taught me to observe on a deeper level. After graphic design I worked as a colour consultant for a few years. This work enhanced my awareness of subtleties in colour.

Eve: What are you working on at the moment?

Suzi: I am currently working on a large abstract landscape.

Eve: Any particular projects in mind for the future?

Suzi: In the future I hope to work on larger canvases. I would like to try mixing media – maybe try creating more texture, going more abstract. Having more fun.

Eve: Sounds like you’re having a fair bit of fun already. When you work in the studio do you like to play music and if so what is your music of choice?

Suzi: Yes, I do play music – depends on my mood – usually I like music that is peaceful. I often play yoga music.

Eve: To date, what have been your career highlights as an artist?

Suzi: I am very new to oil painting. I had my first private exhibition last year when we opened our garden for the Real Gardens of Lyonville event. It was so exciting to sell my work for the first time and people loved it. One couple drove all the way from Melbourne to buy one.

Eve: Do you have any exhibitions or special arts events coming up that you would like to let others know about?

Suzi: My first public exhibition is coming up in April. The opening is on Sunday, April 14, at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Trentham from 3pm to 5pm. I am exhibiting with my friend Gayle Cykner. The paintings will be on display until mid-May.

Eve: That sounds like an event to attend. Suzi, what would you rate as the greatest rewards derived from your personal artistic practice?

Suzi: The greatest reward for me is to create a painting that celebrates the beauty around us – a painting that I love and that brings joy to others.