Sue Paterson’s life’s work in first-time art exhibition

The culmination of Chapel Hill artist Sue Paterson’s life’s work will be on show in her very first solo art exhibition at Percolator Gallery in May.

Entitled ‘Bursting into Life’, the exhibition will also double as the launch of Sue’s exciting ‘Wild Natives’ fabric range that sees the artist’s popular, vibrant floral painted designs turned into bold fabric yardage. This fabric features in her new Sue Paterson Collections range of bespoke upholstered furniture items and homewares.

“I’ve always been inspired by colour and by nature,” Sue explains. “I’m in constant awe of nature’s beauty, its many vivid hues, contrasts, patterns and textures”.

“I’ve been drawing, painting and creating for as long as I can remember and I get completely lost in the creative process. Mixing colours and seeing them bounce off each other brings me so much joy.”

An interior designer by day, Sue credits Van Gogh – and particularly his use of colour – as influencing her art. Working mainly in acrylic on canvas, Sue defines her painting style as part- Impressionism, part-Expressionism. She says the one main common theme tying her bright, bold, illustrative designs together is the happiness they exude.

“I’m always told that my paintings make people feel happy. As an artist, to be able to garner that kind of emotional response from people, that’s what really drives me.”

The first-time art exhibition is also a nod to Sue’s late creative mother who, along with Sue’s equally-as-creative grandmother, nurtured and encouraged the artistic streak in their talented young protégé. Sue has included a few subtle links to those special family members in her exhibition paintings including her mother’s favourite flowers and her grandma’s best vase.

While this is Sue’s first official solo exhibition, she is accustomed to having her work on display. She’s been involved in many collaborative creative projects including producing large 3D murals for public spaces and some of her work has even been purchased by major movie corporations for inclusion on movie sets.

‘Bursting into Life’ will feature 12 pieces including large-scale acrylics on canvas and three dimensional wall art. Sue’s Wild Natives fabric will be featured in chic upholstered furniture items. Exhibition visitors can also watch the artist at work daily in the gallery from 10am-6pm.

WHAT: Sue Paterson’s ‘Bursting into Life’ first solo art exhibition

WHEN: From May 26-June 7 (10am-6pm), with opening night celebrations on May 30 (4-8pm) WHERE: Percolator Gallery, 134 Latrobe Tce, Paddington