SUSAN REYS

Starcke River-Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Susan Reys, Birthing Place, White clay and colored slip, 17” x 8”, 2020 — **Susan Reys**, ***Birthing Place,*** White clay and colored slip, 17” x 8”, 2020

Susan Reys,Woman healing on country, Buff Raku Trachyte, 17” x 8”, 2020 — **Susan Reys**,***Woman healing on country,*** Buff Raku Trachyte, 17” x 8”, 2020

During this time of the world going silent, I am beginning to feel and accept the pain in my heart that comes from the loss of both my parents. I had been doing my pottery and painting but not feeling it as I did earlier. My family tells me they are proud of me but I don’t feel it. Mum passed onto me her role as traditional elder of the clan group but nothing is easy… I have large shoes to fill. It’s only since the isolation I can’t silence my heart which is crying out because I miss her so much and I want her to be here with me. Hence I continue to explore clay, and its healing potential. I source out clay from local creeks to produce organic glaze textures and colour that reflect the stories I want to tell.

During isolation I got a commission to execute two pieces of pottery and nine paintings. My art has always been about stories of healing and culture and identity. In traditional Aboriginal times, this last year should have been a time of nothingness, a time to grieve. But in the rest of the world things carry on. Somehow I have to believe that this time was meant to be and I will grow from it and come out feeling stronger than ever before.

DURING THE LOCKDOWN, SUSAN REYS has been making paintings that convey her feelings of hope and new beginnings. birth and moon-growth have been important to her during this time.

Susan Reys,White Cockatoo Dreaming, Acrylic on canvas, 180 cm x 100 cm, 2020 — **Susan Reys**,***White Cockatoo Dreaming,*** Acrylic on canvas, 180 cm x 100 cm, 2020

Susan Reys, Message from above, Acrylic on canvas, 150 cm x 80 cm, 2020 — **Susan Reys, Message from above**, Acrylic on canvas, 150 cm x 80 cm, 2020

Susan Reys, And I Rise, Acrylic on canvas, 150 cm x 80 cm, 2020 — **Susan Reys, And I Rise, Acrylic on canvas,** 150 cm x 80 cm, 2020

Susan Reys, Growth, Stoneware, 14 inches ht. — **Susan Reys, Growth, Stoneware,** 14 inches ht.

BIO: susan reys

Susan Reys was born and raised in Cairns; her father was a member of the Jirrbal cultural group while her mother was descended the Butchulla people and the Daarba Clan. Her Aboriginal name, her given name, is Duliny—which means owl. Her totems are the Waandaar (White Cockatoo) and the Dolphin. She is privileged to know her family history and bloodline and, with this knowledge, continues her people’s ancient tradition of painting and storytelling from her home studio, where she works with stoneware glazes, textile designs, and canvas paintings. Her works are inspired by various symbols found on rock art and carved trees within her country, and the marks made in the sand during traditional storytelling that continue to be practiced in the living culture. She has been exhibiting her work since 2000 and currently operates a successful retail business, K’gari 3 Sisters, selling authentic Aboriginal art, in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

kgari3sister@gmail.com

www.kgari3sisters.com

@AboriginalArtkgari

rate of affection

Susan Reys nominated Janet Fieldhouse whom we hope may be able to join QI in a future Round.