Sue Side SGFA

I specialise in illustration, drawing and portraiture.

I create work exploring the stories hidden in the quiet environment of tree, land and sky. Here I enjoy watching the slow interaction between trees and the land they have settled in. Using drawing media and printing techniques, I explore the atmosphere of this environment in all its woody detail.

I am particularly drawn to the drama of the starling dance against winter skies. I spend most winters (apart from during a pandemic) observing roosts in Oxfordshire and Devon. This leads to a few works each winter. Thousands of individually ink-drawn birds overlap one another again and again in an attempt to recreate the remarkable fluidity of aerial display. I aim to capture the pattern, purpose and togetherness of these starling flocks, as well as their connection to land and water. Watching them is reminiscent of family. A starling murmuration is a story of protection, sharing, gossiping and the joy of homecoming on darker winter days.

Working in graphite pencil, I also explore the human narrative by focusing on the subtle ways in which we look, speak and gesture. Graphite is chosen for a reason – it has a natural warmth and versatility; the eye is not distracted by colour and the smallest drawn stroke can utterly change what you see. The fact that it can also be easily rubbed out is also a quiet reminder that this is a momentary record of a time already passed in a life of constant change.

My work is in several private collections. I am a fully elected member of The Society of Graphic Fine Art and Oxford Art Society. In recent years, I have been selected to exhibit with The Royal Society of Portrait Painters, The Society of British Artists, The South West Academy, The Royal Watercolour Society and The Society of Graphic Fine Art.

I am happy to work to commission so do get in touch.

The venue is a home and garden in Bampton, with lots of space to eat cake and drink tea or coffee.
In our exhibition we will share how we have translated our observations of the natural world and our locality into paper, stone and metal. We promise you a show full of interest and inspiration.
There will be work by me (as above) and stone sculpture by David Williams
David’s sculptures explore movement and structure inspired by the natural world. His organic work is for both outdoor and in. It is wonderfully textured and tactile. David will be demonstrating his craft during the show and showing some of his recent work in wood turning.