In Conversation with Sue Johnson

We're thrilled to welcome Rutland-based artist Sue Johnson to the gallery!
Her latest exhibition is a vibrant celebration of colour, texture, and imagination—featuring stunning paper collages and richly layered paintings that are as joyful as they are intricate. If you're drawn to bold patterns, harmonious tones, and expressive layers, you're in for a real treat.

Dive into our interview with Sue to discover the inspirations behind her work, her creative process, and what fuels her artistic journey.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and journey as an artist?
I’ve always loved making things. As a child, it was often with felt, scraps of fabric, wool, pipe cleaners—whatever I could find! I taught myself to sew on my Nana’s old ‘Singer’ treadle machine when I was about ten. Art was always my favourite subject at school, so studying on a Foundation Course after leaving school felt natural.

There, I explored everything from drawing and painting to Graphics, 3D work, Ceramics and basic screen printing, which I loved. I then completed a BA (Hons) in Printed Textile Design at Liverpool Art School and started freelancing through a London based furnishing design studio after graduating. My husband and I always created a home studio and produced hand-rendered designs for furnishing fabrics, fashion, gift wrap, and cards for many years. Most of our work sold in the U.S., Europe, and Japan and we exhibited at various design shows in the UK, Europe and New York.

Alongside my freelance work, I also worked as a part-time university lecturer for over 20 years. I loved helping students discover their own creative approaches and sharing techniques drawn from my professional design practice.

What initially drew you to painting and collage as your primary mediums?
As a designer, I enjoyed playing with techniques, using everything from dyes and gouache to ink and collage on different papers and substrates. That spirit of exploration has stayed with me. Many of the processes I developed during my design years are still central to how I work today as an artist.

Are there any artists or movements that have influenced your style?
At art school, I was fascinated by Kurt Schwitter's—his collages and assemblages felt so ahead of their time. Later, after moving away from commercial design, I discovered Rex Ray, a San Francisco artist whose bold contemporary collages often reflect a mid-century aesthetic. His work really resonated with me and (he successfully) crossed the path from design to more of a fine art aesthetic.

About the Exhibition

What is the central theme or message behind this body of work?
The central theme is connection—whether through nostalgic storytelling using old telegrams and paper ephemera, or through more discordant marks, textures, and printed forms coming together. I aim to create intrigue, a quiet sense of tension, and gentle interplay between elements. Hence the title of my exhibition ‘Paper Poetry’- a reflection of how my selected papers and marks are composed to create a rhythm and dialogue, much like the structure of a poem. 

How did you select the pieces for this exhibition?
I wanted to show a range—some softer and subtle in tone and others more impactful and gestural. My design background means I’m naturally drawn to versatility. I’ve always had to switch between genres and colour stories quickly, and that shows in this body of work.  I can never do ‘one thing’ for any length of time.

Creative Process

Can you walk us through your process—from concept to finished piece?
I usually begin with a loose theme or idea but let the work evolve intuitively. Collage is often central to my process. I’ll often start by covering a canvas or board with old book pages, painted or printed papers, and even monotype prints.

From there, I build up the surface—painting, layering, rearranging, and sometimes painting over areas if it’s not working. I work in multiples to stay loose and avoid overworking a single piece. It’s playful and full of surprises.

What role does spontaneity play in your collage work?
A huge one. I don’t start with a rigid idea, so spontaneity and discovery are integral to my process. Sometimes it’s the smallest, unexpected moment—a colour combination, a torn edge—that guides the direction of the whole piece.

Ideas & Inspiration

Where do you find inspiration?
I’m constantly inspired by the textures and surfaces of the historic limestone town where we live. I’m always photographing distressed walls and noticing how nature evades and reclaims things—there’s so much quiet beauty in decay and erosion.

How do your personal experiences shape your artwork?
Recently, I’ve been drawn to memory and storytelling. I was given some vintage telegrams from the 30’s and 40’s from a friend and some 1950s airmail letters written on a Cunard Ocean liner. I loved incorporating them into my mixed-media work—they add a layer of emotional texture and narrative to the pieces.

As pattern and shape have always been central to my design practice, I’m naturally drawn to interesting and beautiful forms, and to exploring how they interact with one another.

Technique & Materials

What materials or techniques do you enjoy experimenting with most?
I see myself as someone who paints with paper. All the collage elements are usually created by me—painted, printed, torn, sanded. I build layers, then sometimes score or sand into them to reveal what’s underneath. It’s tactile and layered, like visual archaeology.

Do you use found or original materials in your collages?
Both. I’m always sourcing paper ephemera—old books, documents, envelopes. People even send me things now, knowing I’ll find a use for them. Local charity shops sometimes put aside books about to be shredded for me. I’m particularly drawn to yellowed pages and old technical books—they add soul to the work.

Audience & Connection

How do you hope audiences interpret or connect with your pieces?
I hope there’s visual impact from afar, but when people get closer, I want them to discover the subtle layers—text fragments, textures, embedded history. I love when someone brings their own story to a piece, though sometimes I hope the colour, marks, and forms help tell my story too.

Do you prefer viewers to understand your intended message or interpret it their own way?
I welcome both. I love resonance—that spark of recognition or emotion, even if it’s different from what I intended. But I also try to communicate something personal, even if it’s through abstract forms.

Looking Forward

What’s next for you creatively after this exhibition?
Summer is a busy time. There have already been several exhibitions I have been part of. I’m now creating new work for several open exhibitions and submitting to a few Art Society calls where I am an exhibiting member, for autumn shows.

In September, I’ll be part of Northants & Rutland Open Studios. That includes a central exhibition at Lamport Hall, and a shared studio show with a fellow artist friend. This year, we’ve also invited a silversmith to join us, which will bring a new dimension to the group.

There’s always something new I want to try—investigating processes keeps my curiosity alive and helps me evolve my visual language. I don’t think I’ll ever run out of ideas to explore!

Don’t miss the chance to experience PAPER POETRY by Sue Johnson — open Tuesday to Saturday - 9 to 5, from July 12th to August 2nd.
Whether you're drawn to delicate collages, vibrant original paintings, or charming handmade brooches, there's something here to spark inspiration and delight.
Pop in and explore the full collection – you're sure to find something truly special.