Learn more about our latest Artist Spotlight: Susie Hamilton. Bridgeman Editions are excited to present a collection of exclusive fine art prints by Susie Hamilton. Find out more about Hamilton's life within this article.
Susie Hamilton's individualistic artistic style demonstrates her intriguing outlook, drawing inspiration from subjects around her. One notable figure in particular, that has inspired her artwork, has been her father August Courtauld. Courtauld was an polar explorer, who undertook expeditions in the Artic regions for several months at a time. Hamilton's father can be seen within several of her paintings, highlighting his unique influence on Hamilton's life. During a recent talk at Somerset House, Susie spoke admirably about her father August Courtauld's extraordinary story. Specifically, where he was saved during a British expedition in the 1930s, having been stranded by the harsh artic weather conditions.
Her father's occupation can be seen within much of her art, drawing on darker tones and challenges from being an explorer. Hamilton recently presented a new collection which she spoke about at the London Original Print Fair at Somerset House earlier this year. The collection, entitled 'Explorers', centred around polar exploration and Arctic creatures. Hamilton reflected on her paintings showcasing a selection of Greenlandic creatures:
"For me such creatures, including the most dangerous, are a constant source of inspiration and represent a kind of singular and absolute being. Their instinctive self-possession makes them fascinatingly different from us humans who are so full of conflict, concealment, hesitation and self-consciousness."
Susie Hamilton's artwork, particularly her series titled 'Explorers,' delves into the relationship between human figures and the overwhelming presence of their environment. In these artworks, the explorers seem to be consumed by their surroundings and its effects on the body, reflecting the artist's fascination with how physicality both shapes and distorts identity.
Hamilton delved into her meticulous painting process following the release of her latest collection, 'Explorers'. Surprisingly, she begins painting human figure, to be later featured within her prints, before deliberately disrupting these subjects.
She then goes on to sprinkle white spirit to fracture the composition. Alternatively, she applies thick layers of paint that, when printed, stretch beyond the print's edges. She often uses various tools and materials, such as rollers dusted with powder, to alter the surface and create unexpected lines. Sometimes she wets patches of printing paper, causing it to tear away during the printing process. These techniques combine to create her captivating artwork that draws the viewer in.
During the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, Susie Hamilton created a powerful series titled 'C19', which paid tribute to the extraordinary resilience and dedication of the doctors within COVID wards. After being approached by consultant hepatologist Peter Collins, Hamilton was inspired to capture the stark realities of life inside the COVID wards. This striking series reflects her commitment to conveying the raw and intense experiences faced by doctors working under such challenging conditions, offering an honest and moving portrayal of their tireless efforts during the crisis.
'I’m also interested in turning a figurative image towards something abstract and mysterious. The border between the known and unknown again!' - Susie Hamilton reflects on her Covid-19 inspired series during an interview with the Contemporary British Painting organisation.
Hamilton has continued to broaden the scope of her artistic practice by exhibiting her work in hospitals and charities throughout London. In particularly, she has worked with 'Hospital Rooms' and other mental health charities, painting murals within psychiatric departments, since 2018. This admirable project later expanded to the Springfield Hospital in Tooting where she made three large paintings for the central staircase.
Bridgeman Editions are excited to present two fine art prints; 'This Island's Mine' (2012) and 'Pink Rider' (2002), from Susie Hamilton's collection. Each print is produced on Hahnemühle German etching paper, with a Certificate of Authenticity attached. Click here to discover more.