6 Questions with Susan Simonini

6 questions, a tiny interview with artists, makers and creative folks.

This month it's time to meet ceramicist and artist, Susan Simonini. Susan is not only a treasured friend of mine but is also one of this countries most talented and hardworking creatives. Her longevity as an artist is testament not only to her skill and joyful aesthetic but also to the warmth she exudes to all of her followers on social media and to fans of her work who purchase pieces time and time again.

With a sweet studio located in the hills of rural Tasmania, Susan's work draws upon the poetic landscape that surrounds her everyday, including the patina of agricultural outbuildings, the patterning of furrows and fields and the layers of story and texture found along the roadsides near her home. Our weekly chats are always laden with laughter and insights into the ups and downs of a creative life, it is our shared story of Making that tethers us firmly together and I hope you find this small peek into her life as interesting as I have - and I thought I knew her pretty well!

My name is......Susan Simonini

I live in North West Tasmania

I am an Artist & Maker

Question No.1

If there is one thing I believe in.....it would be that adversity brings out the best in people.

Question No.2

Each day I complete this one ritual, action or routine.....at the end of each day, usually at sunset, I walk around our property with our dog Rexie. If my husband is not at work, we both do it.

Question No.3

I desire to.....let go of ego.

Question No.4

Before I die, I would like to..... learn how to speak another language, preferably Italian, in the hope that I can one day travel there with my husband, whose parents were born in Italy.

Question No.5

The book that changed my life...... maybe it didn't change my life but it certainly had a big impact - a Little Golden Book called The Dog who Belonged to Himself, which taught me from about the age of 5 that being alone does not mean being lonely, and to be your own person and your own best friend. I can't say that any book I've read as an adult has had quite as profound an effect!

Question No.6

The wisest words ever said to me were..... "Surrender"

Optional 7th Question

One thing most people do not know about me......I'm an open book and wear my heart on my sleeve, so I can't think of anything juicy. Maybe that I have an extreme fear of moths!

Who would you nominate to answer these questions next?

Lari Washburn

To learn more about Susan's creative practice including, ceramics, painting and mark-making visit her website www.susansimonini.com or follow her on IG at @susansimonini

fran

May 20, 2021

A lovely interview piece with Susan , and I follow Lari so would enjoy that too is you do it.

Apr 12, 2021

I love this interview! And imagine my surprise at seeing my name there at the end! I’d love to do that if you’d like.

Kelly Tuari

You’re so cool Susan, can I say surrender iss a revelation, I hear you, I thought wow yes when I read and define it, it’s so reassuring, it’s actually makes one feel so a little peace. Kelxxx