Sue Leeming is an Australian resident of New Zealand Māori (Ngāti te Whiti), English, and Scottish heritage, born in Taranaki, New Zealand. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Post-Graduate Diploma in Fine Art from The University of Auckland in 1995, then immigrated to Perth, Western Australia in 1998. Sue emphasizes that art is not a hobby but a demanding profession requiring seven-day work weeks, with daily attention to both business and studio practice. She stresses the precarious nature of artistic careers, noting that without public support and art purchases, artists struggle financially. She advocates against dependency on grants, preferring sustainable income through sales. Beyond commerce, Sue highlights art’s therapeutic benefits for mental health, describing its transformative potential for individuals and communities. She believes increased support for artists could significantly improve community mental and physical wellbeing, emphasizing art’s healing power regardless of formal art therapy training.

Web: sueleeming.com
Instagram @SueLeemingArtist