Portrait of Susan Johnson
Christine Wrest-Smith
- Sitter: Susan Johnson
- Medium: Oil on Linen
- Dimensions: 122cm x 92cm
- Representation: Australian Galleries (Melbourne and Sydney)
About the artwork
Susan Johnson is an award winning Brisbane writer, whose books have been shortlisted for many literary Prizes, including the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, the Queensland Premier’s Prize for fiction and the Nita B Kibble Award.
“Doing this portrait was one of the best experiences of my life. I was looking for a notable Brisbane sitter, and a friend introduced me to Susan. I’m a real reader, and I love writers, so there was a rich exchange.”
During sittings at Susan’s home, Christine Wrest-Smith sought ideas for the composition. “Susan is an accomplished, intelligent woman living a rich and fulfilling life whilst having experienced many joys and sorrows. In the work sits a sculpture of the Greek Goddess Aphrodite alluding to Susan’s successful memoir Aphrodite’s Breath reflecting recent travels with her late Mother Barbara.”
Susan Johnson worked as a journalist and in the late 80’s received an Australia Council grant which allowed her to write full time. She’s written eight novels, a memoir, and a non-fiction book, and been published in the UK, the US and Europe (translated into French and Polish).
In this thoughtful and considered work, Susan Johnson confidently stares out of the canvas, her head rests comfortably on her arm and books are neatly arranged on the shelves behind her. This portraits shows the potential of both symbols and likeness to reveal the character of the sitter.
About the artist
A full time artist, Christine Wrest-Smith has a BFA from Monash University and has studied art in Italy and Spain. She has held 23 solo exhibitions, been a Finalist in many of Australia’s major prizes and her work is held in many regional collections. Christine is represented by Australian Galleries in Melbourne and Sydney, and paints portrait commissions mainly from her studio in Victoria.
