Metaphor

‘A metaphor gives concrete substance to an impression that is difficult to express’

Metaphors are significant in my work : they help to arrive at new understandings of both simple and complex ideas. Metaphoric associations are deeply connected to materials themselves for me and are integral to opening up possibilities rather than fixing meaning. They can be suggestive and subtle, creating a myriad of connections which can challenge and transform unconscious beliefs, bias’ and perceptions.

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Susie Johnston, Big Sleep, panel pins and sleeping bag

‘Big Sleep’, panel pins and repurposed sleeping bag. Creative response to ’24/7′ Jonathan Crary, Late Capitalism & the Ends of Sleep.

Susie Johnston, Leaves of three...let them be, mild steel pipes repurposed from decommissioned oil field, oil paint and sound

‘Leaves of three…let them be.’ Steel casings, repurposed from decommissioned oil field, oil paint and digital sound piece. DJCAD, Dundee.

Susie Johnston, Lost & Found, repurposed keys, rust, Newport Hotel, 2016

‘Lost & Found,’ repurposed keys, rust, Tatha Gallery, Newport. 2016

Susie Johnston, Nest, clay sourced from North Sea, discarded steel mesh, 2023

‘A nest of sorts’, repurposed clay from decommissioned oil casings in the North Sea, discarded steel mesh, 2023.

Susie Johnston & Ginny Elston, Objects of Conviction, steel ladder, dog hair, pva glue

Susie Johnston ‘Golden ladder’ Objects of Conviction, steel ladder, cockerpoo dog hair, PVA glue, 2023. Patriothall Gallery, Edinburgh.