About Susie
Susie Althorp is an emerging, South Australian based visual artist who works across several mediums, with a particular interest in ceramic sculpture. Clay offers an immersive experience which is primal in the way it connects her to the earth. The diversity of clay allows an infinite potential whether that be in its fluid state with slip casting or in wheel throwing and altered forms. Althorp has recently extended her practice from small scale works into installations with multiples, exploring paperclay with the materiality of light.
Althorp works across the disciplines of science and art using an experimental approach often drawing on natural history and childhood memories such as beachcombing to construct narratives about the human condition and ecological environments. With the curiosity of an amateur naturalist, botanical specimens are collected and examined closely with attention to form, texture, pattern, and colour to inform and add layers of dialogue to works. A recent focus has been on algae, with macro species of seaweed and the invisible microscopic world. She seeks to create a greater connection between the viewer and nature, prompting them to slow down and look closer. Her works facilitate a space for reflection, often accessing the sublime to interrogate the contemporary world accelerating its pace with technology.
CV
Susie Jane Althorp
Born: Adelaide, South Australia
Lives: Nairne, SA
Exhibitions
2021
sentient, Honours Graduate Exhibition, Light Square Gallery (TAFESA Adelaide College of the Arts), Adelaide, SA
2020
Brighton Jetty Sculptures, Adelaide, SA
2019
Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition, Adelaide, SA
Solar Art Prize, Royal South Australian Society of the Arts, Adelaide, SA
Watershed Art Prize, City of Salisbury, Adelaide, SA
Friends, Light Square Gallery (TAFESA Adelaide College of the Arts), Adelaide, SA
Enduring Connections, Arts in Health at FMC, Adelaide, SA
The Red Room, Collective Haunt, Adelaide, SA
Student SALA Exhibition, Hill Smith Gallery, Adelaide, SA
Urban Cow Studio Art Prize - Finalists Exhibition, Adelaide, SA
2018
Solar Art Prize, Royal South Australian Society of the Arts, Adelaide, SA
Student SALA Exhibition, Hill Smith Gallery, Adelaide, SA
On the Brink, Graduate Exhibition, Light Square Gallery (TAFESA Adelaide College of the Arts), Adelaide, SA
Education
2021
Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Art) Honours – Flinders University SA – First Class
2018
Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Art) – Flinders University SA – Highly Commended
2017
Advanced Diploma Visual Art – TAFE SA (Adelaide College of the Arts)
Grants/Awards/Prizes
2021
Creative Boost Grant – Helpmann Academy
2020
Brighton Sculpture – Highly Commended Prize
2018
Hatched 2018 pre-selection, Perth Institute of Contemporary Art
Professional Experience
Artist talk ‘sentient’ exhibition ACARTS 2021
Membership of Professional Bodies
The Australian Ceramics Association (TACA)
Guildhouse
NAVA