Time to … make mosaics

Janice Creenaune meets Susie Tindall-McDonald who has found fresh inspiration in Thirroul after a long career as a designer and art director at magazines

Susie Tindall-McDonald and her studio are nestled in the lush rainforest in the foothills of the escarpment. A wide expanse of glass opens to a view providing light and inspiration for her mosaics. It is as welcoming a space as Susie herself.

Susie moved to Thirroul in 1992.

“I loved the ocean, loved swimming, I loved being so close to the coast as well as the escarpment and found the bush brimming with life. I have a complete fascination for ornithology so Thirroul worked exceedingly well for me.”

She studied ceramics and wood-firing techniques in Willoughby, Sydney, for over a decade. “It was always more than a hobby, it really was an obsession. I love working tiles in particular, but I experiment continually with different glazes, usually making my own and the skills and techniques have all morphed into mosaics. I just developed my own style from there, and later taught mosaics, initially at Hazelhurst for 16 years, where I was fortunate to make many friends and contacts. To lessen the commute later on I taught at WEA Illawarra in ceramics and garden sculpture.”

Susie was always passionate about clay, particularly hand modelling. The sculptural aspect brings it alive for her. Only after the creation come the mosaics.

“It is the entire creation that I enjoy, pushing the mosaics as an art-form and not a craft.

“There is the traditional way of laying mosaics such as in Roman or Byzantine floors, creating the structure first and then putting it all together. Some may believe there is a limited palette in glass and ceramic colours, but mixing glass pieces together creates illusions of colours, just like Seurat or Pointillism.”

Susie’s inspirations include the Australian environment “in particular the desert lines of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia, the pebbles, larger rocks, the slate and the huge rock formations which are stunning to view, but also to experience.

“I do hope to travel to Albert Namatjira country, the MacDonnell Ranges. I want to walk the land, just look and listen, find the colours and the spirit of the place. I am planning a whole series.”

Susie’s projects can take months – sourcing, designing, cutting, and grinding – but she is exceptionally organised and works on many projects at once. Her passion for the environment will be evident in her next exhibition with fellow Thirroulians, Helen McCosker and Nikki Mann.

“Hopefully the exhibition will be local but it is exciting just to plan the future. My husband, Ian, is my greatest supporter always and I feel very fortunate.”

Writer Janice Creenaune is a volunteer for PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Foundation Australia. Email janicecreenaune@gmail.com or ph 4267 4880.