Spring exhibition showcases Susan Vorster’s impressionist art inspired by hydrangeas
Gisborne artist Susan Vorster’s exhibition now on at Matawhero Art Gallery celebrates the opulence of the hydrangea.
The hydrangea holds a special place in her heart, with memories of her grandmother’s house in her native South Africa and the bright blue and pink hydrangeas lining the steps to the porch there.
Even after 15 years in New Zealand, it’s a memory that has always stayed with her. Now residing in Te Hapara, Gisborne, Vorster gets inspiration from her beloved hydrangeas in her garden here.
The fulltime teacher often paints in the evenings and relies on photographs to guide her.
The importance of capturing light and shadow, colour and texture is apparent in her paintings.
“Light and shadow have a dual purpose - they create depth of field, adding a sense of dimensionality and perspective which draw the viewer in,” Vorster says.
She has always loved doing art and it became one of her main subjects during teacher training. But she didn’t truly focus on it until the lockdown of 2020 when she finally had the time and asked herself “What am I waiting for?”
“Hydrangeas are known for their vibrant colours and hues, and my constant search for the correct colour in different light makes it so appealing,” she says.
The impressionist focus on capturing the fleeting effects of light and colour profoundly influences her approach, allowing each brushstroke to convey movement and emotion.
“When thinking of the hundreds of little petals that make one perfect ball of hydrangea, the drama lies in the mark making, placing colour strokes strategically to build the layers and give it depth.”
The timing of the exhibition – called Natural Elegance– at the beginning of spring couldn’t be more perfect, as nature itself is starting to bloom.
It is made up of a variety of acrylic paintings and there are also prints for sale.
Gisborne printer Te Rau produced the prints and the framing has been done by Dom at Personality Framers.
Vorster thinks of the ageing of the hydrangea, which has its time of being bright and vibrant and then changes colour as the season progresses, as a metaphor for life.
“It’s like a fine wine that changes as it ages, just as we do as people.”
She has no plans to be a fulltime artist at this stage and still loves teaching.
“I still feel like I have a lot to give in art teaching – I love to see how kids develop their art skills.”
Selling her work in galleries in Whangamatā, Ōhope and Napier means she has to be disciplined and produce paintings consistently. But it is her creative outlet and she wouldn’t have it any other way.