Art for the Elements

For artist Suzy French, there’s something about the landscapes of Broome that is pure soul food. Working uniquely with oil and pigmented inks on coated aluminium, Suzy creates vibrant depictions of what she sees around her that make for visually stunning statements about the place she calls home.

Having lived in the Kimberley for the past 30 years, and in Broome since 2011, the therapy of being present in the northwest’s rich landscapes is a major influence on Suzy’s choice of subject and style.

“For me, to get out bush and push your feet into the sand and let your troubles drain away… really, we live a very fast paced life, so if you can go bush and make a connection with the land, it gives you so much,” says Suzy.

“I think that’s why I paint these areas, because I resonate so strongly with being out bush and on country. It’s a mental therapy for me to actually be out and the fact I can come back and try recreate how I feel just adds to that.”

Guided by her friend and artist Jean Elezovich, Suzy learnt to paint in a traditional manner, producing realistic landscape art, always in oils. It was during the peak of COVID that she struggled to maintain her typical flow and style, prompting her to experiment with introducing pigmented ink into the mix. Always coming back to landscape, the new combination of mediums opened up a more intuitive and free-flowing way of painting, says Suzy, igniting a sense of movement into her more abstract pieces.

“These more abstract works represent how I feel whereas my traditional pieces are trying to represent what I’ve seen.”

Whether painting abstract or traditional pieces, Suzy is steadfast in working with aluminium panels in place of canvas. Having been working on aluminium panels for 10 years, it’s taken a great deal of innovation and finessing to achieve the ideal results with the material, she says. However, the results are brilliant. With so many stunning outdoor spaces in Broome, it only makes sense to create works of art that can withstand the elements. Unlike stretched canvas and linen, aluminium is not at risk of tearing, cracking, or puckering and achieves an elegant slimline finish. Rarely seen in Australia, Suzy was influenced by techniques hailing from Europe when introducing aluminium into her signature style.

As a full-time artist, you can find Suzy working from her home studio, open to the public Friday to Sunday. Just text or call ahead (on +61 418 936 915) to pop-in and see her magic unfold in real time. You can also find her work exhibited in galleries across Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria, including Black Stump Gallery in Broome and Artopia Gallery in Kununurra.

If you’re seeking a more immersive experience still, book to stay at Suzy’s Boab Moon Studio Stay brimming with her works of art. Soak in the outdoor spa bath with views of an impressive fish tank and pop over to her studio gallery next door, when it suits.

Visit visitbroome.com.au/members/ suzy-french-art

Black Stump Gallery

Black Stump Gallery brings a new wave of creativity to Broome and the Kimberley through contemporary collections of locally inspired artworks. Owners Emma Blyth and her husband Simon Haggett are passionate about the Kimberley, having frequently taken time out to explore the region over the past 20 years.

Having exhibited Emma’s own artwork in various galleries and pop up shops, as well as undertaking artist residencies at Cable Beach Club over the course of those years, they’ve been dreaming of owning their own gallery in Broome for some time. Finally that dream has become a reality and the duo are now extremely excited to have their own space, which not only showcases their own exquisite and contemporary works but also exhibits the impressive artworks of other local artists.

“We first headed up north on a camping trip in our old ute back in in 2001 and could not stay away,” says Emma.

“I was absolutely blown away on that initial trip travelling the Gibb River Road and up to Mitchell Falls and Kalumburu. The remoteness and striking landscapes really were the most amazing experiences.

“The roads were pretty rough in the old Landcruiser! Camping under the stars with nothing but a mozzie net and a mattress and an old barbie grate to cook on. It was simple, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Whistling kites hovering in the smoke of our campfire, catching my first ‘Barra’ and cooking it on the coals whilst watching the full moon rise above the range. It was a trip of a lifetime and we still head out bush as often as possible.”

Located in Old Broome, Black Stump exhibits a wide range of works in various media and locally inspired Australian made art and gifts.

The original artworks exhibited at Black Stump are unique and characterised by a deep connection to the land and its natural beauty. The gallery brings together select artists who showcase their own interpretation of this captivating region of Australia.

“Black Stump products will always be made in Australia,” says Emma. “Proudly, this helps support local businesses and also reduces our carbon footprint.”

Visit Black Stump Gallery to collect your own piece of the Kimberley.

Visit visitbroome.com.au/members/blackstump-gallery-1