Sue Kreitzman, an 85-year-old artist, has transformed her life and home into an art installation. Her journey into the art world began unexpectedly, as she initially failed every art class she took. However, at the age of 58, after a successful career in education and cooking, she discovered her true calling. While reviewing the proofs for her cookbook, she drew a mermaid, and this simple act sparked her obsession with art.
Kreitzman's house is a testament to her creativity, filled with colourful pictures, sculptures, and unique displays. She has a housekeeper to maintain the space, but her curator, Jaime Freestone, plays a crucial role in organizing and preserving her work. Freestone, who became her curator after an email exchange, now considers Kreitzman's home a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and those seeking mentorship.
One of Kreitzman's distinctive accessories is the neck shrine, a personalized sculpture worn around the neck. She has created hundreds, if not thousands, of these, each with a unique meaning. During my visit, she crafted a neck shrine for me, incorporating objects that held personal significance. Her workshop, filled with drawers labeled with intriguing names like 'teeth' and 'eyeballs', showcases her creative process.
Kreitzman's self-description as 'obsessive, bonkers, and extremely colourful' rings true. She works outside the mainstream, without formal training, and creates art based on her instincts. Her childhood experiences, where she struggled to colour within the lines, further highlight her unconventional approach to art.
Despite her reluctance to sell her work, Kreitzman values the meaning and safety her art provides. She finds solace in the Egyptian busts, which she believes have souls and animus. Her back garden, known as the Museum Shed, houses a collection of bejewelled telephones, each connected to a different goddess, adding a mystical element to her art.
Kreitzman's influence extends beyond her home. She has mentored French artist Anne-Sophie Cochevelou, who credits Kreitzman for believing in her artistic abilities. Kreitzman's impact is evident in the vibrant and diverse community that gathers at her house, including artist Elizabeth Joseph, who met Kreitzman at a junk stall and was instantly drawn to her unique style.
Kreitzman's love for colour and self-expression is evident in her life and art. Her ability to create a safe and inspiring space for others, combined with her own unique perspective, makes her a remarkable figure in the art world. As she continues to create and inspire, Kreitzman's art installation will undoubtedly continue to evolve and captivate those who encounter it.
