“Spiritual and emotional elements inspired by nature are embodied by the visual aspects in my work. Such characteristics are intended to function as primal memory triggers opening forgotten internal dialogues within the viewer.”

Susanna Swart was born in Pretoria in 1967. In 1989 she graduated from the University of Pretoria with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree majoring in sculpture and visual communication. In 1994, after having pursued a four-year apprenticeship at the Johnson Atelier Technical Institute of Sculpture in New Jersey, USA, Susanna received her technical certifications in all aspects of foundry work.  She also gained valuable experience in working with various materials including bronze alloys, mild and stainless steels, aluminium, cupro-nickel, cast iron and silver.

After working for two years in Belgium, Susanna returned to South Africa and ran her own Art foundry for 18 years.  She produces large scale work in Stainless Steel and continues with smaller bronze works.  The African landscape, its metaphysical beings, and the ancient mysteries of Africa are reflected in her work.

Susanna has been active in showing, guest lecturing, judging and curating competitions in South Africa.  She has been awarded the ABSA/Association of the Arts (Pretoria) Medal for Achievement for contribution to the arts in 2003. Sanna has been in numerous publications in magazines, local newspapers as well as TV and radio interviews over the years. Her sculptures are in collections worldwide and in the last few years completed commissions for:

• The Development Bank of South Africa 2007
• National Archives R.S.A. “Wisdom Tree” 2008
• Commissioned sculpture on behalf of retiring chancellor Proff. Anette Combrinck 2009
• Mosaiek Church “Ascension” 3m Stainless Steel Sculpture 2018
• The ATKV Awards for the Stellenbosch Woordfees 2011-2017(language festival) as well as the ATKV Media Awards for 2011- 2019.
• “Aardvark” award for most “groundbreaking” drama production at the Aardklop Art’s festival in Potchefstroom for 2012, 2017-2019
• Lifetime Achievement Awards in music for the ATKV 2016
• Cool Capital Project Tree Sculpture for High School Oos Moot, 2014
• Park Central Development Rosebank, 3m “Trance Dancers” Stainless Steel 2019
• Large scale commissions for several private clients 2016-2019

“Spiritual and emotional elements inspired by nature are embodied by the visual aspects in my work. Such characteristics are intended to function as primal memory triggers opening forgotten internal dialogues within the viewer.”