Statement
SUZANNE B GIBBS
My passion for art started in childhood, inspired by my father's sculptures, paintings, and drawings. Visits to London’s renowned galleries further fueled this love. My sketchbook acts as a modern phone for me, allowing me to record and reflect on the world around me. Like many artists, I often begin my creative process with drawing.
Artists such as Kathe Kolwitz made me aware of the value of working expressively in black and white, whilst the multiple viewpoints of the subjective cubists give me the confidence to experiment with shape, colour and composition. I find Turner's expressive, romantic landscapes and Rembrandt and Frida Kahlo 's portraits so inspirational.
Although I have won awards for both landscapes and portraiture, my recent passion and success, have focused on the human condition and identity.
My painting career started In 2018 after I was personally affected and touched by the tragic wildfires of California.. Consequently, I produced a 3-month solo art exhibition to raise money for the Red Cross in 2019 and another on global warming in the summer of 2022 in the SFO Bay Area.
My paintings are a reflection of my experiences and my perspective on the world. At present, I am creating a series centered on dementia, inspired by my mother's diagnosis in 2018. My piece, Mum Facing Dementia, earned me the Tom Urwin Award in2020, which was presented by HRH Prince Michael of Kent at the Mall galleries.
My work focuses on exploring the psychological or emotive as well as the physical state of the subject. My aim is to create artwork that encourages the viewer to question, consider and empathise, whilst being engaged or moved by the narrative.
Whatever the subject, if its narrative evokes your personal responses, memories or just emotions, your feedback would be gratefully received. Thank you for visiting my website.