Sue Smalkowski: From Little Creeks to Wide Open Spaces

Observing grandiose mountain ranges, golden grassy fields, or the gentle trickle of water through a sun-dappled creek bed... Sketches, photography and plein air painting (using watercolour and gouache) aid Sue with her visual notetaking and recollection of place.

Once back in her studio, Sue works up these memory prompts into larger, conceptual and intricately layered, oil paintings and, more recently, accompanying ceramics. These works explore the ever-changing relationship between painting on canvas and ceramics, and place.

The exhibition captures, in abstract, the wide, open spaces and the vista of unfolding ranges, powerful panoramas drawing the eye skywards.

And these artworks are Sue’s conversation with the land, moments revealed in a complexity of colour, line, light and shadow, suggesting movement and vitality in some, and peace and calmness in others.

–Edited statement of Dr Robyn Morris

Join the artist at the opening.