Suzanne Smith

 

Suzanne Smith is a versatile mixed media artist living in Tauranga, New Zealand.

Attention to detail probably best describes her various forms of art. She has worked in many different media, although she creates mainly acrylic paintings, inspired by New Zealand’s beautiful coastline and scenery, also flowers and birds in her garden. Trees in particular are a favourite subject, at present exploring their shapes in negative painting technique. Some figurative artworks are embellished with jewellery, fabric and stitching. She also enjoys creating humorous assemblage characters using a variety of found objects.

Born in New Zealand, she originally trained as a photographic oil colourist and retoucher. Her eye for detail is a legacy of continuing this profession for 30 years. While living in England during her OE she attended classes in life drawing, portraiture, oils and watercolour at Berkshire Art College. In 2000 she was introduced to acrylic at Tauranga’s Art Buzz classes and still loves this versatile medium.

Since then her acrylic paintings have been involved in many exhibitions in numerous North Island galleries. A solo exhibition at Tauranga’s Art Boutique in 2008 featured social commentary artworks in a minimal palette, collaged text and plays upon words. Her quirky assemblage called ‘Kiwi Bloke and his Missus’ won the Upcycled Junk 1st prize at the Sustainable Art Challenge in 2015.

She has recently enjoyed experimenting with Gelli plate printing, and includes gelli printed paper collaged in some paintings.