Susan Haywood Smith

Susan’s previous prints have incorporated strong historical themes such as a series based on the Treaty of Waitangi. This reflects her interest and previous studies undertaken in Social History. On a subconscious level the subject matter of Susan’s artwork is a direct reflection of her own personal history. This history is derived from her experience of being a Pakeha raised in South Auckland. With no link to her own Irish/English heritage to make reference to, Susan absorbed the wonderfully rich culture of the Maori and Pacific Islanders around her This was reinforced by her family ties to the Te Arawa Iwi.
 
Today, Susan is still reconciling the two worlds of her British lineage alongside her experience of Maoridom, and is yet to determine the point of intersection at which she is placed. However her art allows her to work through this dichotomy from which Susan hopes to create powerful and stirring New Zealand artwork.