Suzanna Lang was born in
Sydney, Australia in 1964. By the age of
8yrs I had developed an interest in art and pottery. I attended the local community centre after
school courses and soon pottery became a passion. From there I continued after school classes
at the Potters Wheel at Neutral Bay and there I was introduced to throwing on
the wheel.
By grade six whilst attending
Neutral Bay Primary School I became good friends with the late Arkie Whiteley
and soon spent a lot of time in the Whiteley household. Watching Brett Whiteley paint and being
exposed to the art world at an early age has inspired me to continue my journey
of discovery, experimentation and fascination of art.
My art obsession was ongoing
all throughout high school, where I achieved a First Art Prize and received a
scholarship to study ceramics at Technical College. My pottery/art high teacher
was my greatest influence. Weekends and holidays were spent attending various
ceramic workshops, throwing, mastering Chinese brushwork/calligraphy, making
glaze recipes etc. Applying these principles of practice, discipline and
experimentation has prepared me for today’s approach to my artwork.
After completing school in Sydney I
studied Graphic Design and attended various art schools. During this time I worked in a ceramics
studio for three years producing high quality tableware and decorative pieces
to be distributed and exhibited nationally.
Voluntary work at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Sydney gave me
the exposure I needed to appreciate and meet other artists and in return
progress my artistic skills to a higher level.
I would describe my current
paintings as a balancing act. Exploring
Asian cultures, spirituality, complexity and simplicity. My images are exploring these contrasts, the
past and the present, the disposable world and the traditional world.
The canvas surface may express
a sense of urgency, awkwardness and minimalism but over time it reveals a
balance. Using a mixed media of acrylic, enamel, oil and ink (anything at hand)
has allowed me to achieve interesting and unpredictable affects. I often let the paint surface dictate, which
brings a spontaneous reaction, and a kind of ‘truth or dare’ situation with a
touch of the unexpected. By limiting my
palette I have been able to concentrate on the expression of line, shape and
composition hopefully without jeopardising subject matter.
I approach each new painting as
an experience and challenge to push myself to see and feel further beyond.
