‘Innovative Mixed Media Artist’
Sue de Vanny is a dynamic force in the art and textile world, known for her vibrant and diverse creations that seamlessly blend traditional and contemporary techniques.
Her artistry ranges from the intricate detailing of fashion doll repaints to the sweeping expressions found in watercolor landscapes and portraiture. With a background in photography, dressmaking, bag crafting, and intricate textile art, Sue’s work is a true testament to her multifaceted talent.
Largely self-taught, Sue has refined her skills under the mentorship of esteemed painters like Pat Winnett, Malcolm Beattie, and Edwina Cherry. She continues to expand her expertise and constantly pushing the boundaries of her craft.
Sue’s formal education includes a Certificate II in Design from the prestigious City and Guilds Institute in London, highlighting her dedication to mastering her art. Her passion for fabric-based art has evolved into a signature style that expertly merges traditional painting techniques with textile work, creating pieces that captivate with their use of light, shadow, and texture.
Sue’s innovative approach to fabric collage, painting, dyeing and embellishing has brought her work to life in remarkable ways. Her recognition as an Aurifil Artisan for three consecutive years—2020, 2021, and 2022—reflects her significant impact and innovation in the textile art community.
Currently, Sue’s work is featured in several exhibitions, where her ability to blend multiple mediums continues to captivate and inspire. Her journey as an artist is marked by a growing confidence and a promise of exciting new developments, making her one to watch in the evolving world of art and textiles.
Exhibited textile artwork and awards received:
- Sound of Silence – Victorian Quilters Showcase 2024 – Runner Up to Best of Show! 1st Place Pictorial & Best Use of Colour
- Diamond Dog – PIQF 2023 -Best Sewing Machine Workmanship. AQS at AQC 2024 – Highly Commended in Modern Quilts, Best Use of Colour & Best Machine Quilting with Mid/Longarm Machine
- Adore – Qld Quilters 2023 – 1st Pictorial
- Overboard- Self Portrait (Mixed Media) – Doug Moran National Portrait Prize 2022 – Semi Finalist
- Born To Be Wild 1st Prize Vic Quilters Showcase 2022 Pictorial, Major Award Winner (one of 6) 2022 Houston Quilt Festival. 1st Prize Pictorial AQS Branson.
- Creating Magic: AQC challenge 2019, theme Magic. AQS Branson & Des Moines, USA – 1st First time entrant into Des Moines. QuiltNSW Exhibition 2022 – 1st Pictorial.
- Close to Me: Queensland Quilters 2021-4th Pictorial.
- Long Tall Sally: On Line Art Exhibition 2021 – received Special Mention. Victorian Quilters Showcase 2023 – Runner Up to Best of Show! IQF of Houston 2023 – Sold.
- Shape I’m In: Quiltcon 2020 – 3rd place piecing. AQS Branson & Des Moines, USA, 2022. QuiltNSW Exhibition 2022 – Judges Commendation. 1st Innovative Victorian Quilters Showcase 2023. Online exhibit Vibrant Visions HMVC Gallery NY , showcasing in Times Square 2023
- Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Art Quilt Australia Exhibition 2021/2022. Vic Quilters Showcase 2022 – Highly Commended Art Category. International quilt Festival, Houston 2022.
- Kiribu Binte Mflame (Princess): Invited and Exhibited as part of Golden Textures 2021, won Viewers Choice. QuiltNSW Show online 2021. Vic Quilters Showcase 2022 – Runner Up, Innovative Piecing. Quilts Unlimited 2022, View Art Center, NY, USA – Judges Choice.
- She Matters: Exhibited as part of Golden Textures 2019. Convenor’s Award – Vic Quilters Showcase 2019. Finalist World of Beauty, Houston Texas 2019. Currently part of the For the Love of Gaia exhibit virtual tour here from International Quilt Museum . QuiltNSW 2023 – 1st Pictorial, Excellence in Stationary Machine Quilting and Best of Show!,
- Cat Groove: Best Contemporary Quilt & Highly Commended Modern Category – Vic Quilters Showcase 2019. Second Place Modern Quilts Competition PQIF California USA 2019. View 2021 Quilts Unlimited, 2nd place Wall Quilt and Best Machine Quilting. Bernina Academy 2022.
- Foresight to Capture: Part of the Vision 2020 exhibition. QLD Quilters 2022.
- Deceptive Markings: First Prize Art Category – Vic Quilters Showcase 2018. Exhibited Best of the Best 2018 at AQC 2019. Third Prize Best Innovative Quilt 2019. Birmingham 2021
- Water’s Edge: Highly Commended – Coastal Threads 2018. Dare to Differ 2019 Sold
- Bordering Extinction: First Prize – AQC 2018 Challenge Borders and Bridges & Viewers Choice – AQC 2018. Third Prize – Pictorial Category, Sydney Quilt Show 2019, Birmingham 2021. Women Artists Making Their Mark 2022, Beasts Will Show Their Way Exhibition, O’Hanlon Center of the Arts, online.
- Abandoned – FJ Holden: Second Prize – One Red Thread 2018 ‘WeathRED’, Berry Retreat
- Reflection – Harbour Fenders, Cape Town: Highly Commended AQIPP 2017. Second Prize Pictorial – World of Beauty 2018 Houston Texas. Highly Commended – Vic Quilters Showcase 2019. Best Use of Colour – Pacific International Quilt Festival USA 2019 Currently traveling around Europe as part of special exhibition 2019 -22.
- Erte’s Bazaar II: Highly Commended – Victorian Quilters Showcase 2017. Finalist in World of Beauty 2017 Houston Texas. Finalist World Quilt Competition 2018.
- Swept Away: 3rd prize winner at Berry’s Kimberly Dreaming Challenge 2015
- Erte’s Bazaar: Finalist in World of Beauty 2015 Houston Texas and 2nd Prize Art Quilt Category in Dubai International Quilt Show 2016.
- Beginning True: Won Honorable Mention 2015 AQC challenge theme ‘True Blue’ Exhibited around the USA as a finalist World Quilt Competition 2017. Finalist in World of Beauty and in Birmingham Festival of Quilts 2018. Sold in private collection 2018
- Limelight: For challenge Berry’s A World of Colour 2014.
- Showgirl: 1st Prize winner for Berry’s One Red Thread theme Moulin Rouge 2014, Judges Choice in Dubai International Quilt Show 2016
- Sturt’s Stamp: Judges Commendation in Desert Threads challenge 2014, toured Australia then Exhibiting in USA October 2015.
- Tram Route No.10: Won viewer’s choice in AQC challenge 2014 theme ‘Ten’ and Best Machine Workmanship, Innovative Category – World Quilt Competition 2015, 3rd in Pictorial section at Festival of Quilts Birmingham 2017. Was on display at 333 Safes in 333 Collins St. Melbourne from 2018 to 2020.
- Time: Finalist in 2011 special exhibit Text on Textiles in Houston toured around USA for 2 years. Won 1st prize Art Quilt category Vic Quilters showcase 2013. Exhibited in 2015 NSW quilters guild and Festival of Quilts Birmingham 2015.
