For Torquay painter Sue Woolnough, art feeds the soul.
At times, she is not even sure what is guiding her brush.
“It is a very intuitive process,” she says.
“My brush is like a conductor’s baton and my aim is to make my colors sing. We all respond to art in a different way and have individual tastes and preferences. There are no rules. Something about a work will just strike a chord.”
Her most recent body of works completed for the To Bali and Back exhibition will appeal to a diverse audience and suit a range of interiors, Sue says.
Inspired by the tropical environment of Bali, her strikingly vibrant abstracts are grouped thematically beginning with a range of smaller watercolors that are a delicate approach to tropical plant life and larger, bolder acrylic artworks.
In contrast to the Balinese inspired paintings, colorful representations of Australian landscapes and cities also feature in the series, as well as some abstract works.
Sue says her interest in Bali stemmed from her sister Jan Johannesen’s charity work in the village of Munti Gunung, Bali.
“Many people see Bali as a wonderful holiday destination, which it is but I’m fascinated by what lies beneath the surface.
“Jan’s chance encounter 10 years ago with a little street kid selling bracelets to tourists has led to an incredible story of determination and inspiration in her drive to make a difference.
“She single-handedly runs the Bali Smiles charity which provides education sponsorships for street kids, provides rice through the Feed A Family initiative, organises the building of toilets, water wells and homes, and equips and staffs the Bali Smiles Health Clinic.
“Her ingenuity in making things happen is extraordinary. Proceeds from the art exhibition will be used to purchase medicines and pay Dr Komang’s $250 monthly wage, ensuring free health care is available for those poverty stricken villagers in need.“
Sue plans to offer workshops from her Torquay home studio to help women develop confidence and skills in painting.
“Confidence With Color and Painting For Mindfulness workshops will be conducted in small groups in a friendly and supportive environment,” she says.
“No previous art experience is necessary. Try to make a little me-time for yourself to be present in the moment. Many of us judge the end product of what we create and what we do in life but I believe that the process is the most important thing.”
To Bali and Back will exhibit from 6 to 30 April at Little Creatures Brewery, Geelong.
For more information, visit @SueWoolnoughArt on Instagram or balismiles.com
Ms Woolnough is represented by Eagle’s Nest Gallery at Airey’s Inlet and Metropolis Gallery at Ryrie Street, Geelong.
