Sue Graham’s motivation is to portray the dramatic vistas of the North Island’s volcanic plateau and beyond, complemented by close-up elements such as native flora, plus other more whimsical themes. Her acrylic and watercolour paintings feature harmonious colour, creative texture, artist quality materials and contemporary design. Sue is frequently commissioned, represented around NZ and overseas, and regularly requested to tutor all age groups in the central North Island.
"My family was involved in the performing and visual arts, so I have had an appreciation since before birth. When my husband Robbie Graham and I lived in Western Australia, spending time out in the desert and bush areas photographing the abundant wildflowers there, we soon became hooked on looking for native orchids. Fascinated by their elegance and unique forms, I felt compelled to learn to draw and paint them. From there the ‘obsession with self-expression’ has grown into a huge and fulfilling part of my life, for which I am extremely grateful.
I spent a year doing the awesome Diploma of Art and Creativity from the Learning Connection in Wellington 2007, part-time. Of course over the years I have done countless art workshops and courses. Before I left Perth, Western Australia, at the end of 1994, I did half of a Preliminary Certificate in Art and Design.
At first I thought it was a trifle self-indulgent to be producing paintings and selling them, but I soon discovered that it was more about the connection I made with people through my art that really mattered. The paintings are not just material ‘things’ to decorate a house. They are memories, emotions, atmospheres and dreams that can really enhance people’s lives. It’s the most amazing way to communicate; painting something that has moved me in some way, hanging it on a wall, the work speaking to another person whom I have never met, and then it goes home with them to live and keeps communicating something special to them over the years. I personally find this very powerful and meaningful."
See more of Sue’s work at the Wildwood Gallery.
