About Sue
ABOUT Sue Read - Cornish Artist
Sue works from her studio on the farm where she was born. Drawn to the weather and dictated by the seasons, fleeting moments of light, colour and atmosphere are drawn directly to canvas. There is a lot of physicality in how Sue works, often sweeping large swathes of colour of varying viscosity which drip, are wiped off or through and left to melt into one another. The experience of just being out with nature, keeps the work fresh and spontaneous.
Sue's favourite times of day to be out are early morning and dimity, just as dark is coming. A time when you feel closer to the sounds and colours of nature and this is reflected in her palette and paintings.
Having grown up with the sound of the sea in the constant background of the farm, she is instantly transported there when back in the studio to finalise and complete paintings with more expressive emotive layers of colour, line and texture. .
Sue works on a variety of surfaces with a range of media including inks, acrylics, charcoal, oils and pastels manipulated with palette knifes, scrim cloth, rubber scrapers, and glazing techniques. It keeps the work interesting, exciting and contemplative.
Seaspiration
Sue says "Growing up on a farm near the sea, nature has shaped every part of my life. With salt water in my blood, I find solace and presence in my native landscape. The shifting weather, changing seasons, and daily transformations are a constant source of inspiration. Whether riding Cornish waves on my board, feeling the sharp exhilaration of winters cold water, walking the cliffs or simply gazing out over the horizon, these sensations become woven into my work. Each painting is unique and becomes a 'visual poem' to the natural world. through my eyes"
Back in the Studio
The art studio in the barn on the farm still holds a strong sense of belonging, her childhood and is her sanctuary. Sue continues to work on her paintings in the memory of those moments on the beach or cliffs but in the calm of a large safe space.
Shaped with quiet contemplation alongside more added colour, structure, texture and resolving light, the work is not finished until it finds balance and has a resonance of both place and time. Essentially when Sue finds a point of contentment
FAMILY FOOTNOTES ....
Sue’s studio is located on her family’s farm, Wooda Farm home to three generations of farmers. She and her husband have raised their two sons in Bude, where they also live and work. Tom crafts Bude Gin and Rum at The Cornish Distilling Co while Harry upholds a proud Cornish tradition through his work in dry stone walling with Kernow Stonework
Sue remains actively involved in local initiatives and is a dedicated supporter of the arts and Cornish culture. From collaborative creative collectives to producing the sculptures for the Agan Fordh a Dro roundabout, as well as contributing to North Coast Arts and Bude Sea Pool, her work reflects her deep connection to family, community, and innovative cultural projects
Agan Fordh a Dro roundabout .