SUSAN LHAMO
“Surfacing is the idea of rising upwards from unconscious to conscious, in a metaphorical way, using the ocean as the symbol. Many shapes are rising to the surface, expressing a richness of both the ocean, and our psyche.“
Susan utilises the landscape as a metaphor to reveal subconscious narratives, focusing on the transitional space between the conscious and subconscious worlds. Drawing inspiration from the dynamic energy of the sea for her paintings in Aqua Limina.
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In “Currumbin, below and above” she focused on the transitional space between the subconscious and conscious worlds, and have included both spaces in my painting. The water element, and in particular the ocean, has long represented the subconscious…the place of emotions, beliefs, and conditioned programs. What resides below the surface holds hidden things in the psyche.
"My painting explores this metaphor, using Currumbin as the significant place of representation, as it shows multiple aspects of conscious/subconscious worlds. Many ideas of Water are expressed visually…creek meeting ocean, ocean meeting shore. The shoreline itself is varied and dramatic, encompassing beach, rock pools, large rock outcrops, and human activity including airplane flightpath, surf club, life saver lookouts, cafes and housing, parks. The multiple activities also include surfing, swimming, sun bathing and other creek pursuits. I’ve shown this complexity through symbolic marks and creek and ocean colours. The human world is busy and can be contrasted in energy to the flow of creek and ocean. Currumbin has a unique vibe which feels vibrant yet encourages the visiter to experience this world in a gentler way."
In “Surfacing” the idea emerges of rising upwards from unconscious to conscious, in a metaphorical way, using the ocean as the symbol. Many shapes are rising to the surface, expressing a richness of both the ocean, and our psyche.
“Deep dive” delves into the dark uncovered parts of her psyche. She explores feelings which can’t be described verbally, or understood rationally. This seemingly illogical narrative holds great creativity. Becoming familiar with this oceanic interior space can very empowering