Statement
Susanne was born in St.Gallen, Switzerland, graduated in Fine Art from the Crawford College of Art in 1987 and established herself as a painter in Oldenburg, North Germany. She returned to Cork in 1994 where she works from her studio in the Backwater Artists Group. Recently she co-founded Arthaven, a new Cooperative Gallery in Crosshaven.

Exhibitions in Ireland include shows at the Crawford Municipal Gallery, Project Art Centre in Dublin, University College Cork, South Tipperary Arts Centre in Clonmel, the O`Sullivan Bewick Gallery in Enniskerry, Form Gallery and the Fenton Gallery in Cork.Her work was selected for the “C2 Exhibition” held in the Crawford Municipal Gallery in 2005 to celebrate Cork as “European Capital of Culture”.Susanne`s work can be seen in the O´Sullivan Bewick Art Gallery, Enniskerry and in ArtHaven, Crosshaven, County Cork.

Website: www.susanneleutenegger.com

Thoughts about my art
Painting for me is giving space.
Giving space to what is yet silent, what is waiting patiently, what is undiscovered.
During the working process I am guided by a promising spark, hoping to let come to the surface what dreams unknowingly.The process is often subject to change. A movement that is impetuous and inquiring can often intervene or reverse intentions. Being spontaneous and silent, energetic and patient, agreeing and contradicting are part of life.
Trustful I enter into a dialogue with new existences.
Hands become leaves,
leaves become feathers,
feathers become feet,
feet become flowerbuds,
buds become paddles,
paddles become bells,
a bell a wing,
a wing a rattling gourd,
a gourd pearl,
pearl stonefruitkernel.
I usually start with a blurred, unknowing surface and an idea of a precise line, let them find a movement together that is round, playful and simple.
I like the idea that they carry an essence of being, something that goes beyond pure decoration and turns them into “lucky charms”.
Susanne Leutenegger.