The inspiration for Susie Wright’s work comes from the artist’s Scottish heritage, an interest in natural history and an appreciation of architecture. In her captivating images, Wright invites the viewer into a world of experimental and intriguing landscapes, as she turns familiar representations into edgy and linear new worlds of exploration.
Animals feature often in her work, especially stags and owls; the stag is perhaps a reference to ‘Monarch of The Glen’ (1851), a painting of a red deer stag by Landseer, and one of the most notable images of Victorian Scotland. Wright works in a variety of media, which includes intricate illustrations, 3D constructions, digital images, photography and screen printing, with each process informing the other. She often combines 2D images and 3D models, echoing the methods that architects use to convey how a proposed project would look once completed. Wright’s new and ongoing Ornithology series stem from the artist’s personal experiences or connection with birds. Woodpecker was drawn for her brother, whose job involves surveying birds and Hen was inspired by a family pet (that was tragically killed by a fox!). Wright is fascinated by the intricate patterns that form in a bird’s feathers and how they are translated in her style of drawing.
Wright was artist in residence at Central Saint Martins College printmaking department in 2008. Illustration commissions include artwork for The Scottish Beekeepers’ Association, The Travelling Gallery and Wallpaper Magazine. She currently lives and works in London.