sUSANNE BOONEn
“Nothing is static. Everything constantly evolves and changes, much like the art I produce. Each piece is inspired by the last, taking it on a journey of its own”
I was born in Kawerau, New Zealand and work in a diverse range of both two and three-dimensional mediums from my studio in Whakatāne. My primary source of inspiration is derived from the environment. In the past, along with other numerous careers, I was fortunate enough to work for The Department of Conservation. Many of my works are inspired from this experience, during which my respect and love of our unique forests and oceans has grown, especially our endangered native flora and fauna. More recently, a rekindled love affair with clay has developed into an insatiable desire to lovingly create unique handmade artforms from clay.
Artistic achievements include being a finalist in the Telecom Regional Art Award on five occasions, winning the Award in 1996. My work has been selected for exhibition in the Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award and Cambridge Community Arts Council Award, winning the ECNZ National Art Award in 1998. My work has been included in joint exhibitions and my last solo exhibition titled ‘A Conversation about Conservation’ was held in November 2015 at Te kōputu a te whanga a Toi - Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre. In 2020, my ceramic work titled, 'Ode to Oma ' was also selected as a finalist in the Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award - 3D.
Academic achievements include a Bachelor of Teaching Degree (Primary) from Waikato University and a Diploma of Art and Creativity from The Learning Connexion, Wellington.