Susan Sutton at Qdos Arts

The sensory pleasures experienced in visiting our beaches can be interpreted as if being entertained by and involved in theatrical productions.

So it seems to artist Susan Sutton.

In Beach Theatre her twelfth Solo Exhibition, Sutton draws on her extensive experiences of Victoria's southern beaches, particularly the SurfCoast west of Geelong, to create this diverse panorama of theatrical interpretations in oils on linen.

'Stepping onto a beach, we tend to leave the concerns of the everyday world behind us as we become absorbed in the mood and atmosphere of this particular form of theatre. Through our experiences we are overwhelmingly embraced by the sounds, the lighting and the colours of the stage.
The action, the narratives and the dramas, both natural and human, unfold around us and we become either the players or the audience ... or both !'

Sutton's work with its understanding of beach culture and the southern coastline's natural environment, now is a recognised oeuvre.
There are many enthusiastic and appreciative collectors of the atmospheric oils of one of this region's best known artists.

Authenticity of appearance and detail is important to those who follow the surfing and surf life saving culture along the coast.
The artist does not relent in her research, but at the same time she is able to create artistic interpretations that satisfy those who have appreciation for works of art.

There are some departures from previous depictions of surfing culture however the continued careful study of subjects enables the same high standards to be set while each body of new work such as Beach Theatre reaches further and deeper into artistry and technical levels.

Apart from more generalised works, in this major exhibition there are specific paintings of Lorne's famous 'Pier to Pub' ocean water swimming event now in its 32nd year where 4300 swimmers hit the water ... it is high theatrical drama ... open air theatre of the greatest proportions !

Gentle, relaxed human stories are the others that play out wherever beach gatherings take place.

Then there are the high season summer narratives common to the Australian scene that take place around surf club activities, everything from daily Surf-Rescue patrols to the Little Nipper programs to the theatrics of Surf Carnivals with their colourfully costumed participants.

This exhibited body of work was partly inspired by a request from the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club to create a painting that embraced the Club's current era activities. The artwork forms the wrap-around cover of its substantial newly published History Book.
The research for the commission led the artist more and more deeply into the visual wealth of regional beach culture and the realisation of the human dramas and stories that unfold as theatre on our beaches.

While exploring new directions, Susan Sutton continues to paint in her recognisable style taking great joy and pleasure in the effects of light and atmosphere.
Along with reflections which are often used to create patterns, light is a significant tool in the draughting of almost every work.

At its most extreme, light is used for dramatic effect in creative interpretations of natural matter or phenomena ... along the water's edge in the bold 'Tidal tangle' group of paintings ... or the intricate, highly detailed 'Beach branches' works which are a new departure in subject matter for the artist.

Beach Theatre by Susan Sutton will be an exciting visual experience for all established followers of her work, together with the many new viewers who are sure to visit the highly acclaimed Qdos Arts in Lorne over the summer peak.

Beach Theatre by Susan Sutton Qdos Arts Allenvale Road, Lorne Sunday 8th – Saturday 21st January 2012 9am – 5pm daily Phone 0352 891989