Susi Gutierrez: Artist in residence

Susi Gutierrez is originally from Peru, South America where she studied archeology and Peruvian ancient textiles restoration, and was also a journalist and writer based in Lima. This background has given her the flexibility and inspiration to reinvent herself in a different culture without losing her identity.

Since coming to the UK in 2003 she completed a diploma Foundation in Art and Design at West Suffolk College and in in 2009 completed a BA in Fine Art at Anglia Ruskin University. Now based in St Neots she plans to run painting workshops from her home.

A selection of her works were displayed at the Degree Show 2009 by the British company Marshalls. Anglia University also acquired some of her works last year which are on public display and currently some of her works are displayed at the Grafton Centre in Cambridge. In August 2010 she presented her exhibition Displacement and Rediscovery at The Basement in Bury St Edmunds, in association with Artheads - a not-for-profit group committed to helping anyone suffering with drug, alcohol or mental health problems.

Susi is currently working with Christine Stocker-Gibson, as the creative influence on the 10 Womens’ Journeys art & photojournal therapy course to be held in the summer of 2010, in St Neots. 10 Womens’ Journeys evolved from a concept about how feelings of displacement can affect a persons identity and their ability to complete their life journey. To move something from one place to another might seem the most insignificant of the actions that we repeat every day. But it is not that simple because sometimes we can be our worse enemies and sabotage ourselves. The programme will support women who wish to make a fresh start to reconnect with their values and strengths, through relationship building with their peers. Through the use of art and photography they will create a photojournal of the people places and treasures which are important in their lives and chart their journey to their new destination., Through the use of meditation and positive psycho-social behaviour modification techniques they will learn to believe in themselves and sustain their self-motivation.

Susi says:

"As a woman artist, the experience of running workshops is extremely important for the growing of an individual. You do not lead, you share, and get a wonderful feedback creating the possibility of self-awareness, excitement, appreciation, hope, flexibility and love. The experience of having a creative space is also very important because everybody needs to express themselves emotionally. Whatever is the background of the person, art is a very ancient way of being that should carry on. The experience transfers recognizable and valuable human values...and can make a community more friendly and tolerant”