Suzy O’Rourke is a multidisciplinary artist and ceramicist based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. With a background in millinery and interior design, Suzy’s creative practice explores the intersection of nature, form, and simplicity —expressed through both handcrafted ceramics and original artworks.
In 2025, Suzy opened the Suzy O’Rourke Gallery + Studio in Mona Val —a dedicated space to create, exhibit, and share her evolving collections. The gallery reflects her philosophy of considered living and serves as a space for collaboration, exploration and meaningful connection with the creative community.
How did you start in your creative practice?
My creative journey began in millinery, where I spent years working with form, texture, and detail on an intimate scale. It was a beautiful introduction to craftsmanship and taught me the value of slow, considered design. Over time, my curiosity and love for materials led me to explore interior design and eventually ceramics and visual art.
Can you describe your artistic style and the themes you often explore in your work?
My artistic style is grounded in simplicity, natural form, and quiet restraint. I’m drawn to organic shapes, muted tones, and tactile materials—elements that invite stillness and reflection. Whether I’m working with clay or on canvas, I aim to create pieces that feel timeless, calm, and intentional.
The themes I often explore are rooted in the natural world, architecture, and the emotional resonance of space. I’m fascinated by the way form and texture can evoke a sense of serenity or connection. There’s also a strong focus on balance—between light and shade, texture and smoothness, presence and emptiness.
At its core, my work is about distilling beauty to its essence and offering something quietly grounding for everyday life.
How do you stay up to date with trends, new technologies and new ideas in your field?
While I’m not driven by trends, I stay connected to the broader design world through a mix of observation, curiosity and conversation. I follow a diverse mix of artists, designers, and architects whose work resonates with me—both locally and internationally. I also visit exhibitions, read design publications and stay engaged with interior design and art communities.
New ideas often emerge through experimentation in the studio—by working with my hands, playing with form, and exploring different materials and techniques. I find that staying open and curious allows my work to evolve naturally while still feeling relevant and connected.
Can you share a specific project you’re particularly proud of?
One project I’m especially proud of is The Casa in Kangaroo Valley—a boutique accommodation space where I led the design. It was a deeply creative and collaborative project, where I had the opportunity to shape the space from the ground up with a clear, nature-inspired vision.
The brief was to create a calming, immersive retreat that felt both luxurious and grounded. I drew on natural textures, organic forms, and a soft, earthy palette to reflect the surrounding landscape. Every element was thoughtfully considered—from the handmade ceramics to the curated art and bespoke furnishings.
That project was a turning point for me—it affirmed my desire to create environments and pieces that bring a sense of peace, purpose, and quiet beauty into everyday life. It also helped lay the foundation for the artistic direction I now explore through my studio practice.
What was/is the hardest lesson that’s helped your practice?
One of the hardest—but most valuable—lessons has been learning to trust the slower pace of a creative practice. In a world that often celebrates speed and constant output, I’ve had to remind myself that meaningful work takes time—and that growth isn’t always linear or visible.
There have been moments of doubt and uncertainty, especially when stepping away from previous roles in fashion and design to follow a more intuitive path through art and ceramics. But embracing that uncertainty has allowed me to create more honestly and with greater intention.
Letting go of perfectionism, and giving myself permission to explore, make mistakes, and evolve at my own rhythm, has ultimately made my work more grounded—and more reflective of what I value most: simplicity, presence and quiet beauty.
What’s the next project or goal you’re looking towards?
Opening my gallery and studio space in Mona Vale marks a new chapter in my creative journey. The space is both a working studio and a curated gallery, designed to bring my ceramics and artworks into conversation with one another—and with the people who experience them.
My goal is to create more than just a place to view or purchase art; I want it to be a calm, inspiring environment where people can connect with the process, the materials and the intention behind each piece. It’s also a platform to share new collections, host intimate exhibitions and eventually collaborate with other artists and designers whose values align with mine.
This space reflects everything I love—nature, form, simplicity—and I’m excited to see how it evolves and deepens my practice.
Contact information
Location
Mona Vale Creative Space Studio 1 Park St
Mona Vale NSW 2103