“Victorian ornithologists and botanists would have heartily commended Susan Hipgrave’s remarkable series of hand-painted plates. The meticulous execution, the resulting life-like renditions and the consistent format adhere to the ethos of scientific study. Susan’s ability to focus is well matched by her possession of a steady hand.
For spectators, an interactive experience awaits: birds, caught in the moment, watch us, ready to strike or to fly away; clusters of twisted vines and treacherous spikes draw us inside. ‘As my work with natural subjects becomes more detailed, so my subjects become more assertive,’ the artist states.
‘When I’m contemplating a new piece, I start by going through my collection of natural history books until I find something that “speaks” to me.
I work with the image in terms of size and placement, and then begins the slow and meditative practice of putting paint to porcelain. I obsess about how fine a line I can do; ultimately, I love seeing all the little black lines that I’ve painted come together to create an image.’… “
-Edited text from Olivier Dupon, author of ‘Encore! The New Artisans’ .
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2025
