This exhibition is a testament to the inspiration and empowerment of friendship. Jo and Susie met at an art class in 2012 and soon became creative soul mates. They developed a friendship over canvases and easels, glasses of wine and jazz. In turn, their art practice developed and flourished through countless hours of conversations and painting together. This is the first time the two artists are exhibiting side by side. While their styles and subject matters differ, they both display in their works compassion, a love of colour, and a sense of the poetic and the mystical.

Jo studied art and and worked in graphic design. Later in life she became an art therapist so her work reflects the philosophy of art as a method of healing. Her paintings are guided by the deep pulses of the unconscious. Many portray issues surrounding the current refugee crisis often depicting a lonely boat on a threatening sea.

Susie is mostly self-taught. Her repertoire includes life drawing, landscape, and portraiture with the common thread being a fascination with colour and the interplay of light and darkness, as well as a desire to portray her characters with tenderness. While her inspiration is drawn primarily from Charles Blackman, Susie is constantly experimenting to see what new effects can be achieved at any given moment.

Soma Gallery

421 Sydney Road, Brunswick

September 2 - 15, 2019

Opening September 8, 3.30pm - 6.00pm