Elizabeth Sullivan - The Shape of Play
Exhibition Dates: November 15 - 28 online
Online Sales Launch: 8pm November 15
Elizabeth Sullivanis a New Zealand-born stitch artist based in Sydney, known for her intuitive "thread paintings" inspired by nature. Working without preliminary sketches, she builds each piece layer by layer in fabric, thread, beads and sequins, blending abstract expression with semi-realistic detail.
After relocating from the UK to Sydney in 2004, she established her dedicated garden studio in 2019 and has worked full-time on her practice since. Her work is held in private collections across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, France, Switzerland, Portugal, Canada and the US.
This collection grew from a previous artwork Map of Play, Elizabeth’s desire to continue exploring the freedom of working without a fixed plan. Each piece begins with colour, fabric and a few initial shapes. From there, she allows the work to develop intuitively. Stitch, beads, sequins and found materials are added as she goes, with one decision leading naturally to the next.
Repeated marks and circular forms appear throughout the collection. At times they suggest pathways, gardens, maps or small imagined worlds, although they are not intended to represent particular places. Elizabeth leaves space for viewers to find their own meanings and connections within the work. The title The Shape of Play reflects both the forms that have emerged and the way the collection was made. For Elizabeth, play is about experimenting, following an idea and being open to changing direction. It is through this process that unexpected details and discoveries begin to appear.
This body of work celebrates colour, texture and the simple pleasure of making.
