Susan’s creative practice is rooted in both aesthetic and philosophical exploration.  Her PhD in Portrait Therapy established a distinctive approach to understanding the relationship between art, self-expression, and emotional wellbeing. Through this, she has developed a reputation for work that bridges fine art and arts in health, particularly in museum and gallery settings where reflective engagement and storytelling are central.

Susan’s professional journey began with a BA (Hons) degree in Design/Illustration at Swindon School of Art in the 1990s, followed by two years as Artist in Residence at Hreod Parkway Secondary School in Swindon.  Working with some of the pupils in the 'Exclusion Unit' Susan began to see how Art could be used as therapy, and enrolled at the University of Hertfordshire for an MA in Art Therapy.  After qualifying Susan worked for 12 years as an art therapist at the Prospect Hospice in Swindon and in 2008 returned to university, this time Loughborough, for a PhD developing Portrait Therapy.  This is used as a way to help people who experience life threatening or chronic illnesses or other trauma as a disruption to their sense of self-identity.  An exhibition of these portraits called “Paint me this way!” was held at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery on 12 July – 10 September 2017, funded by a grant from the Arts Council England.  Susan’s artwork has also been selected and hung in the Royal West of England Academy of Art open exhibitions, the Pintar Rapido Competition, the Buxton Spa Prize and, the Norfolk plein air painting competition - A Brush with the Broads.

Susan is currently applying for a Developing Your Creative Practice grant from the Arts Council England, to research and practice the historic painting techniques of the Pre-Raphaelites, with the help of professional mentors.  This is a change of direction for Susan's painting although it continues exploring some of the themes present in all her work.  This preliminary time developing my skills and research will act as foundation for my next ambitious two stage project - Revisioning the Pre-Raphaelites: The Thirteenth Dream.  This will explore how classical techniques and historic narratives within well known works of art can be used and revisioned for contemporary audiences.