Susan Lhamo
Painter (Salisbury, QLD)

I initially studied art at Kelvin Grove College, and graduated as a high school art teacher in 1975. For seven years I taught art in Queensland high schools and my painting practice was influenced by the New York School of abstract expressionists, especially Willem de Kooning. Between 1980 and 1987 the Australian Flying Art School was an important part of my life, while residing in Chinchilla, Queensland and in 1981 I enjoyed the experience of a Macgregor Summer School Painting workshop with Suzanne Archer.

A tour of British and European galleries in 1983 widened my experience of artworks outside Australia, and also gave me the opportunity visit ancient archealogical sites in Britain, Italy and Greece. On moving to northern NSW in 1987, I continued my art practice, focusing on painting, and also raising a family. The surrounding mountains and ocean were a wonderful inspiration and I encountered at this time, the work of Andy Goldsworthy, the site-specific artist whose creativity remains an inspiration.

After returning to Brisbane in 2002, I attended workshops with Artworkers Alliance and participated in the workshops with the Floating lands Project at Noosa in 2005. Majena Mafe briefly mentored me in the same year and this assisted the generation of new vibrant works and development of fresh techniques. My recent artwork has been influenced by the abstract work of Gerhard Richter whose paintings I first saw during this time. I enjoy teaching painting and drawing to adults when I have the opportunity, and presently reside and work in Brisbane.

Artist Statement
The principal intention in the making of my paintings is to bring forth layers of texture, colour, and line, creating the sense of multiple surfaces, which in itself holds the structure of each picture. The viewer perhaps may inquire into what is observed, what is concealed. I like to emphasize contrast between colours and tones, and occasionally include symbols to entice the viewers attention and pre-occupation.

Relationships between the various parts are always considered and play an important role in achieving a sense of balance. Spontaneity is my method of approach, yet frequently works emerge from an initial idea previously formed in my imagination. I build on this basic structure, then allow the painting itself to dictate the process and direction. Personal aesthetics are also engaged through-out the working process as I seek to balance and harmonise the whole. The pleasure of working paint, and moving it around on the surface is an significant factor in this activity. Making art, for me, is an innate response to the inner creative drive, and a balancing act between the intuitive and the considered.

For information on how to purchase or commission Susan's work, please contact her below or call 0413 980 200 during business hours. Gallery enquiries welcome.

Contact Susan Lhamo

EDUCATION
1975 Diploma of Teaching, Painting and Drawing majorKelvin Grove Campus, Queensland University of Technology
2004 Short course in Public Art

WORK EXPERIENCE
1976-1982 Art Teacher in Queensland High Schools
1993 and 1998 Voluntary art teacher, The Channon Public School
1997 Introduction to Painting class, Art and Soul Gallery, The Channon NSW
2001 Part-time salesperson, Art and Soul Gallery, The Channon
2004 Art Workshops for Primary Arts Network, May, June, August
2005 Workshop for Primary Art Network [Ipswich] April
2006 Workshops for Wildwords Festival [Gateway Schools]
2010 Adults Art Classes, Salisbury
2011 January:Painting workshops BIA (Brisbane Institute of Art) Windsor

SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2006 Art of Exploration Doggett Street Studios, Newstead
2003 Flow Jasu Gallery, Margate
2003 Spirit of Place Zebos’ Café & Gallery, Salisbury
1995 Temples of Sticks and Stones Stonecutters’ Gallery, Lismore
1994 Journey to the Forest Within Heart & Soul Gallery, The Channon

GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2011 10+1 Annual Show, Gallery Nona, Windsor
2011 Cathartic Flood Charity Auction
2010 Group Show, Sweet delicious Expresso, Albion
2010 10+1 Annual Show, Nona Gallery, BIA
2009 10+1 Annual Show Gallery Nona
2008 Collaborative Mural BIA Windsor
2007 “Sister Act 2” Gallery Nona
2006 “Sister Act” Gallery NONA, Windsor, Brisbane
2005 Group show Old Post Office Fortitude Valley
2005 Entry in Blake Prize
2005 Churchie Emerging Art Show
2005 “Emerge” Central Plaza, Brisbane
2005 Linden Postcard exhibition, Melbourne
2004 In Our Stable SODA Gallery Avalon NSW
2003 Freestyle Tout Artists Market
2003 Caloundra Art Show
2003 Warwick Regional Art Show
2003 Redlands Art Show
2001 Three Artists Jasper Gallery, Clunes NSW
1997 Utopia Distopia Soapbox Gallery ,Brisbane
1996 April, June, December shows with Byron Artisans
1996 Multimedia Exhibition The Chocolate Factory, Lismore NSW
1995 A cow of an Exhibition Barebones Gallery, Bangalow NSW
1995 Painters Exhibition The Chocolate Factory, Lismore
1995 Orisha Mirrors Arterra Gallery Brisbane
1994 Little Treasures Lismore Regional Gallery
1993 Little Treasures Lismore Regional Gallery
1991 Batik clothing items The Channon Teahouse and Art gallery
1990 Womens Artshow Lismore Regional Gallery
1985 Flying Art School touring Exhibition

AWARDS
1972 Art Teaching Scholarshio 3 years
1982 Aquistitve Award by Chinchilla Shire Council
1984 Roma Art Show Highly commended