Susan Vorster

During my childhood, I was surrounded by creative, imaginative people: A grandmother as a writer, a grandfather as a watercolour artist, a crafty mum, and a ballet teacher aunt. My family inspired me to be an artist.

As a person who thinks and learns in pictures, I have always been busy making art. Being a teacher allowed me to implement it passionately in my classroom. On a daily basis, I make my students aware of the magic of colour, light, texture and composition. 

For a long time that was enough release for my creative nature, but the urge to pursue art became stronger and in 2020, I decided to fully commit to art.

Born and bred in South Africa, I have always had a close connection with nature.. The memories kept haunting me - the abundance of birdsong, fauna and flora. When the decision to follow my passion with more earnest arose, my mind was already made up - to capture the unapologetic vibrancy and detail of flowers - nature's little show offs!

Every season provides it's " favourites", as well as the ones often missed by the untrained eye..

Gisborne, my New Zealand home, is a never ending source of inspiration - beautiful native patches and glowing summer beaches, It is easy to admire and fall in love with the beauty of Aotearoa, 

As an acrylic artist, I paint mostly the natural world, portraying native plants and it's ecological importance. Bringing nature into homes provides a balance in our organised yet sterile lives.

Layering paint provides depth of colour and richness. Depicting light makes it come alive. I confidently use stronger brush strokes and have always admired the Impressionist technique of wet-on-wet, effortlessly allowing the eye to mix colours.