Suzette Twaddle loves the environment, fashion and all things beautiful.
They’re the three themes that come through in her first art exhibition to be held at Saltwater Community Centre next month.
Her art deco-inspired work uses beading and knotting (macrame) to turn trash into treasure.
Suzette’s career as an artist began just four years ago.
“I’ve always worked in fashion,” she says. “I had my own boutique and fashion label. When I decided to semi-retire, I thought, ‘What am I going to do with myself?’”
The Hoppers Crossing artist decided to make a career of mannequin art – painting and decorating mannequins she had kept after retiring.
“It was cheaper than buying a canvas, using mannequins as a medium of art.
“I sort of started doing it without realising it was something that was seen to be worthy of an exhibition.
“I also restore old furniture, do garden art, sometimes pick up odd bits and pieces and use them for my art.
“I’m not trained as an artist; I haven’t done any studies and don’t have any degrees. I just do whatever I feel, I do my own thing.”
The exhibition will be at Saltwater Community Centre from September 15 until November 15. It will include mirrored furniture, jewelled bodices, beaded flamingos and more.
The opening event will be on September 15 at 6.30pm.
