SUSAN DALZIEL
My current body of work reflects an interest in accessing the dynamics of the subconscious mind. This is done by appropriating the methods and mark-making that children and outsider artists employ, and by examination of artists such as Klee, Basquiat, Dubuffet, Rauschenberg and Karel Appel. I am particularly interested in the raw nature of children’s work as it suggests a clarity of vision which is subsequently lost through the process of socialization and conformity to acceptable norms of perception and expression.
I use elements of repeated pattern, texturing and impasto; this echoes the stratification of conscious and subconscious mind and emphasises the strong duality of mind/body, reason/emotion and inner/outer lives.
Another area which I am currently exploring is that of cloth dolls, a direct reference to my childhood. Dolls were significant as a means of both comfort and communication, a way of making sense of my world. There is no specific “meaning” behind the dolls, the act of making them is a bridge, a reconnection with myself as a child and if anything denotes parts of the fragmented self.
CV
Susan Dalziel
Education
Introduction to Digital Imagemaking, Uni. Wollongong 2003
Statement in Foundry Metal Casting, W. Wollongong TAFE 2002
Advanced Diploma Fine Arts (Distinction), W. W’gong TAFE 2000
Certificate in Fine Arts (Credit), W. Wollongong TAFE 1997
Exhibitions
Exhibition Meld Gallery
Recent Works, Hazelhurst Gallery, Gymea 2008
2007 Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival
2006 Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival
2005 First in Best Dressed, group show, Project Contemporary Art Space
2005 Exhibition at Bean Stalk Café, Thirroul
2005 Members Show, Project Contemporary Art Space
2004 Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival
2004 Chronicle, Hazelhurst Gallery, Gymea
2003 Members Show, Project Contemporary Art Space Wollongong
2002 Art Visions, St Mary’s College, Wollongong
2002 Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival
2002 16, group show, Mary Place Gallery, Paddington
2001 Amniotic Soup, Project Contemporary Art Space, Wollongong
2001 Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival
2001 Melange, Project Contemporary Art Space, Wollongong
2001 Sextant, Karoona Gallery, West Wollongong TAFE
2001 Revealing Images, Wollongong City Gallery
2000 Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival
1999 Nine Lives, Karoona Gallery, West Wollongong TAFE 1999