SUSAN BARAN

BIOGRAPHY

Susan Baran is a Sydney based visual artist specialising in printmaking and artist books. Susan studied at the National Art School and City Art Institute (now UNSWArt&Design).

She has exhibited extensively in many solo and group exhibitions both nationally and internationally and is a member of Sydney Printmakers currently serving as President.

Her work is held in  private and public collections like the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of NSW and Manly Art Gallery and Museum. Susan is a member of Warringah Printmakers Studio in Sydney where she teaches  regular printmaking classes.

Susan has conducted many printmaking workshops all over Australia and overseas most recently at the Australian Print Triennial in Mildura. Susan has undertaken printmaking residencies at Australian Print Workshop, the Art Vault and Baldessin Press Studio.

Susan serves as a NSW committee member for the Print Council of Australia.

CONNECTION TO BALDESSIN STUDIO

I first visited Baldessin Press in the Summer of 2012 and was so impressed with the studio I have returned on many different occasions and always feel welcomed and treated like family by Tess Lloyd and Silvi.

I have taught a couple of printmaking workshops here over the years and met some wonderful printmakers this way.

I especially feel, comfortable and inspired when I travel from Sydney to make my own work at Baldessin Press. I have stayed sometimes for extended periods and always feel so happy living and working amongst this creative community.

Tess is incredibly generous sharing this special place and allowing us  to work in the studio that George Baldessin built. Silvi is an amazing artist who shares her expertise and knowledge and as studio manager creates an environment that is  a pleasure to work in. I have benefited enormously from working with Silvi and I count  Tess, Lloyd and Silvi  as great friends - Susan Baran

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

My work explores beauty in the natural and man made worlds. Much of my inspiration comes from nature focusing on flowers, gardens and landscape, but also I look at the beauty of the man made through architecture especially interiors, patterned surfaces, fabrics, wallpaper and man made designs.

I take photographs then use Photopolymer plates (Solarplates) to create my prints. I often place plates side by side, juxtaposing imagery to create a harmonised aesthetic.

Colour features in my work building up layer upon layer of ink to create vibrant, fresh surfaces of colour on the paper.  I apply ink to the plates using small paintbrushes pushing the possibilities of a la poupee inking.

I never really have a completely preconceived idea of the finish print. I let the creative process take on a life of its own. Like my mentor Matisse once said “the living harmony of colours should compare to that of a musical composition”.

Hopefully I am coming close to getting the balance right.