Workshops and experiences for all ages
Dynamic, hands-on workshops for children and adults delivered with energy and insight by Sue
Observational Illustration & Marine Discovery
Hone your observational superpowers and try some innovative techniques developed by Sue. It's a dynamic and engaging few hours where you'll learn a little more about some quirky marine animals, study them and begin to draw natural forms. You'll be encouraged to also bring in objects from nature that inspire you. This may be a step toward discovering your own, unique style.
This is a fun few hours where everyone is on the same level. it's a great experience when all ages interact and learn together. It's the perfect inter-generational experience!
PROGRAM BASICS: recommended for 15-20 people.
- 2 - 3 hour workshops
- Focus is on marine animals and environment with the ability to observe, study and immerse via underwater video, photos and insights from Sue's diving experiences.
- Introduction to creativity, self-expression, research and preparation techniques, marine animals and environment and observational illustration skills.
- Information for attendess is here
- Eastern Blue Groper - available now
- Australian Giant Cuttlefish - available now
- Sharks - on the cards
- Syngnathidae- Whites Seahorses and Weedy Seadragon - on the cards
- Octopus - on the cards
WHO CAN ATTEND: This workshop is perfect for everyone. No prior skills or abilities needed to participate. Great for families.
Age suitability: from 7yrs. Under 16yrs need to be accompanied by an adult, who is also a participant.
Reignite Your Creative Spark
“I’m not creative. I’m not artistic. I used to _____ but I haven’t done it for a long time. I’ve lost my creativity”.
Does this sound like you? Are you searching for your way to get ‘unstuck’ and to find ‘your thing’ – your creativity or self-expression outlet?
Join like-souled creativity seekers in a space and time that’s focused on helping you identify, clarify, and explore interests, reignite passions, and develop new skills!
This powerful and practical talk and workshop session will help those who want to get their self-expression juices flowing again. Creativity is not just expressed through art, and many people believe you must be ‘good’ in artistic ways to demonstrate creativity. Your ‘thing’ might be cooking, or math!
PROGRAM BASICS: recommended for 15-20 people.
- What does creativity and self-expression mean to me?
- How to spark interest and inspiration.
- Practical session on ways to explore and creating a plan for your creative journey.
- Activities may include vision boards, origami or illustration
For youth/young adults – from 12 up: addressing what creativity really is and challenging the ‘I’m not creative’ conditioning and providing some ideas to incorporate good habits around thoughts and activities to keep connected and motivated to exploring creativity.
For Adults: particularly those who are struggling to connect with themselves and self-expression. Expect candid group discussions and themes.
Author Brand and Marketing
PROGRAM: 2 sessions of 2 hours.
- Session 1: is on understanding why and what you're writing, planning and prioritising your project and practical introduction to author brand and marketing. Prerequisite to session 2.
- Session 2: More about Author brand, marketing expectations + production, processes and industry expectations.
For young adults to adults: Expect candid group discussions and themes.
Find out more here from the 2017-2020 series more here
ABOUT SUE as a teacher
As an illustrator, artist and conservation advocate, I communicate my passion and ‘position’ by melding diving and study of animals with illustration, photography and the creation of products and communications campaigns.
I want to help people connect to their interests, develop their own observation super powers, creativity and illustration style.
These innovative creativity workshops have been designed and delivered with absolute care and based on my own intense and intentional work to unblock myself and find a fulfilling and sustainable way to be creative and communicate.
You'll receive quality guidance and creative inspiration that will help you connect with your own interests and hidden talents.
As writer and self-published author, I developed and delivered the Author Brand and Marketing workshop based on my journey to find my voice and tell meaningful stories. Even more important, was the creation and marketing of my book Accidental Aid Worker and delivery over 50 public talks and 20 workshops in community spaces, libraries, businesses and in schools in NSW.
Having experienced frustration and the depression that comes from being creatively blocked and uninspired to connect with anything, I pursued my blocked creativity with determination. My life did depend on it. At the end of September 2019, I discovered I could draw by ‘accident’ and through sheer focus and dedication, have launched a new career as an artist, conservation advocate and educator - read more here.
In a few short years, my work as an artist includes marine-focused solo exhibitions, drawing live at markets and public spaces including the Botanic Gardens Sydney, collaborations and community events, and products in retail stores. Read more here.
Certifications and checks.
- NDISWC
- NSW Working with Children Check
- South Australia Working with Children Check
- First Aid Certificate
- Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance
Contact me for interviews and bookings for author talks, and workshops at libraries, primary and secondary schools, community and business groups.
Testimonials
- “Good to hear about Sue’s love of diving and how it fed into drawing. I’m just starting. It’s great to have art explained so it is accessible” – Marianne
- “Loved learning about the Blue Groper. Went so quickly. Was a lot of fun.” – Lisa, Andrew and Kate
- “It was really fun, I love this! It is way better than school. 1-2 hours is good for kids because children can get restless. Saturday afternoon is a nice time because Sunday is a day to relax! I loved this so much. It’s AMAZING” – Eleanore M – 9yrs
- This was a lovely way to spend time with the kids during the school holidays. It's unusual to find activities that we can do together and all enjoy. Sue was wonderful and the kids love the sea animals. I would highly recommend. This was perfect for kids and adults." - Brigid
- “Thank you, Sue. It was great to learn about the Blue Groper and learn about Observational Illustration. The class was a lovely vibe” – Tracey
- 2024 Inner West Council - Youth Creative Spark and Observational Illustration and Marine Discovery
- 2023 and 2024 Whyalla & Marine Discovery Centre, Adelaide - South Australia. Australian Giant Cuttlefish, as part of National Parks and Wildlife South Australia Park of the Month Program and Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries CuttleFest.
- 2023 & 2024 Port Augusta Secondary School, South Australia
- 2023 Randwick City Council - Marine Coastal Program & La Perouse Museum
PRIVATE & GROUP BOOKINGS: 4 -20 pax
These workshops are perfect for:
- Libraries, arts and community and family groups
- Special needs and special interest groups including disability, recovery and therapy groups
- Schools - primary, secondary and education centres - marine studies, humanities, geography, and art.
- Botanic gardens, Marine Discovery, museums, art gallery, nature and conservation centres
- Professional CPD workshops, businesses and community team building and celebrations,
Your NSW Active and Creative Kids Vouchers
- Put your voucher number in the comments section alongside the name(s) of the child(ren) you’re paying for.
- Pay for the workshop as it will secure your tickets. When your valid voucher has been processed with Service NSW, you'll be refunded the value of the voucher(s) directly to your bank account. Any questions, please contact Sue.
Find out more https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/active-and-creative-kids-voucher
