Victorian ornithologists and botanists would have heartily commended Susan Hipgrave’s remarkable series of hand-painted plates. The meticulous execution (each extra-fine brushstroke adding an important detail), the resulting life-like renditions and the consistent format (monochromatic black on white; identical one-size ceramic plates) adhere to the ethos of scientific study. Susan’s ability to focus is well matched by her possession of a steady hand. However, it soon becomes clear that all is not quite as it seems. Susan departs from a straightforward replication of flora and fauna by concocting strange hybrids or by exaggerating features, such as piercing eyes to convey the extreme visual acuity of an eagle. For spectators, an interactive experience awaits: birds, caught in the moment, watch us, ready to strike or to fly away; clusters of twisted vines and treacherous spikes draw us inside. ‘As my work with natural subjects becomes more detailed, so my subjects become more assertive,’ the artist states. ‘When I’m contemplating a new piece, I start by going through my collection of natural history books until I find something that “speaks” to me. I work with it in terms of size and placement, and then begins the slow and meditative practice of putting paint to porcelain. I obsess about how fine a line I can do; ultimately, I love seeing all the little black lines that I’ve painted come together to create an image.’
 
Despite the striking maturity of her work, Susan has been working in ceramic art for less than a decade. For many years she worked as an art director/designer in advertising. Then, in 2005, ‘sick with shingles, I walked into a shop that was running ceramic painting classes and it was immediately obvious that it was something I had to do’. While she has worked with earthenware as well as porcelain, her medium has always been the plate. ‘My art is contained, so I can pack it up and travel easily,’ Susan notes. ‘We have a house on the south coast, so I spend much of my time there, painting in daylight.’ Her creations work well both on a small scale (a single plate) and a large scale (her first exhibition – a spectacular window display at the Grantpirrie gallery in Sydney – showcased several plates strikingly placed against a dark backdrop). If there were an issue with Susan’s hand-painted works, it would be that once you have admired one, you compulsively want to collect them all.

Text by Olivier Dupon, author of ‘Encore! The New Artisans’ (Thames & Hudson, 2015)

We also asked Susan to tell more about herself with a few questions:

The main characteristic of your personality?

Always curious

What is your favorite occupation ?

Painting… and loosing myself completely in the line

What’s your idea of happiness ?

The Saturday papers and a cup of tea with my husband

Do you have a favorite color ?

Teal green

What is your favorite bird?

Magpie

Where would you like to live?

By the sea

Your favorite dish?

Wood-fire oven roasted cauliflower with almond sauce

What is your current mood?

Excited

Any new project to share?

We’re re-building our ‘nest’ after 20 years… it’s astounding!

susanhipgrave.com