Sue Wilde paints colourful, expressive, often abstract, artwork as an emotional response to the world around her. She also enjoys experimenting with printing, photography, making assemblages and drawing, and is particularly inspired by the natural world. She grew up in the Midlands but has lived and worked in Bradford for over 40 years.
Self-taught as an artist, Sue says of her work:
‘I’ve enjoyed a life-long love of creativity, developing my work through various community art groups as well as my own art practice. I love expressing myself through paint, colour and movement, which often includes a combination of painting and printing. I also enjoy photography, drawing, collage and making things out of found objects such as driftwood and memorabilia.’
Tulips
‘I usually start a painting with a fairly simple idea, and enjoy seeing where the journey of creativity takes me … I have been particularly inspired by the colour and freedom of Abstract Expressionist painters such as Pollock and Krasner, as well as the marks and ‘light’ of the Impressionists such as Monet. I find the colour, texture and even smell of paint invigorating/exhilarating, and love the process of creating a fresh and original image, often at times of inner turmoil or complexity.’
WildeSue@65 poster
‘WildeSue@65′ has been Sue’s most recent exhibition, which was held at Trapezium Arts Gallery in Jan-Feb 2024. This show included a large selection of work from childhood to present day, and a range of styles and techniques. Sue had previously exhibited at Trapezium Art Gallery with Colour Zone in 2019, and also had solo shows at the South Square Calver Gallery, The Love Apple Café, Manningham Mills, and taken part in group shows at various other venues around the district.
Now retired, Sue has worked in Bradford with a range of public and voluntary sector organisations, including Mind in Bradford, the NHS Care Trust and Social Services. Along with her husband Stuart, she has also co-ordinated many local exhibitions of art created by people who have used mental health services, the most notable being the 1in4 Exhibition held at Salts Mill in 2016.
Summertime
‘Opportunities to see, show, create and even afford art should be made open to everyone – making art galleries more welcoming, and embracing of many different art forms is important in including everyone in the diverse society in which we live’.
‘Life’s A Beach’
Contact: via The Trapezium Gallery at Trapezium Arts