Coastal Life 2

Susan Mathews is a textile artist, based in Ocean Grove, Victoria, Australia. This work was winner of the Golden Textures exhibition at Central Goldfields Art Gallery in 2013. Mathews stated:
'Since moving back to the beautiful Bellarine peninsula (after 35 years living inland in Yarrawonga) I have been captivated by the local vegetation. Having long been attracted to flora, especially our native plants, much of my work has focused on this topic. My artistic vision has always been closely tied to my surroundings and a sense of the place where I live. I think the work that I have been doing since coming to live here is a way of finding my place in this environment and celebrating it. Our move took quite a few years to accomplish, but I have felt such a sense of liberation, expansiveness and joy since we have been here. Every day I am thankful for the golden sand, the lovely layered view which we have, the sound and sight of the sea and the gorgeous light which streams into my studio most days, to name just a few things. An integral part of the process of creating my work are photographs and drawings, long walks, observation and much carving of lino. My starting point is generally with white fabric which is transformed by dye, printing and stitch. A small amount of silk fabric is the exception in these works. These works are an expression of my profound happiness in this 'golden' time of our lives and the integral part that art plays in my life. I hope that you, the viewer, can sense that in regarding these works.