Su Blackwell is an artist working predominantly within the realm of paper.
Paper has been used for communication since its invention; either between humans or in an attempt to communicate with the spirit world. Su employs this delicate, accessible medium and uses irreversible, destructive processes to reflect on the precariousness of the world we inhabit and the fragility of our life, dreams and ambitions.
Su has exhibited her exquisite sculptures around the World. Her illustrated book of fairy tales ‘The Fairytale Princess’, published by Thames & Hudson was re-released in 2015. Su has designed art fabric for Liberty London, and her illustrations have contributed to regular columns in ‘Intelligent Life Magazine’ and ‘Harper’s Bazaar UK’. Su has also turned her hand to art-direction for commercials, for clients such as Volvo and British Airways, and to theatre set-design. In 2011, Su appeared on Radio 2’s Art Show with Claudia Winkleman to talk about her set for The Rose Theatre’s production of ‘The Snow Queen’.
Su says of her work, “I often work within the realm of fairy-tales and folk-lore. I began making a series of book-sculpture, cutting-out images from old books to create three-dimensional diorama’s, and displaying them inside wooden boxes”.
“For the cut-out illustrations, I tend to lean towards young-girl characters, placing them in haunting, fragile settings, expressing the vulnerability of childhood, while also conveying a sense of childhood anxiety and wonder. There is a quiet melancholy in the work, depicted in the material used, and choice of subtle colour.”
Su Blackwell Studio Ltd. was set up in 2011 to work on a variety of projects, commissions and collaborations. The studio comprises of Su (director) and her PA ‘Emma Y’. International Clients include Grey Goose, Waitrose, FT Weekend, Crabtree and Evelyn and BBH Agency, London.
Su is also represented by Long and Ryle Gallery, London.