Raised near the harbourside native bush of Sydney's North Shore, Suey McEnnally's lifelong love for the natural world has always been at the heart of her art. Her father used to say that he could take Suey anywhere and she would just draw all day.
In 2023, Suey's world changed forever. At 75 years young, a sudden haemorrhagic stroke left her wheelchair-bound, facing an uncertain future, given little chance of survival. With the help of a dedicated support network of friends, family, and rehabilitation specialists at Wingham Rehab Hospital, Suey slowly regained her strength.
While walking remains a challenge, against all odds, Suey's progress has been nothing short of extraordinary. Suey has not only defied medical expectations but is now preparing to share her latest body of work in an upcoming exhibition titled Lucky to Be Living - On The Mountain.
Suey credits painting as a major catalyst for her stroke recovery, emphasizing the power of creativity in overcoming adversity.
"The love of painting and of nature has helped incredibly with my recovery," the painter shares.
"You lose awareness of pain in the body when you're involved in creative work. It has made it easier to move, and liveliness in my brain returns as I imagine other works to be done."
Stroke Foundation CEO, Dr Lisa Murphy says, "Suey's story is a powerful example of how engaging in hobbies and creative pursuits can play a vital role in mental and physical rehabilitation following a stroke."
Suey's upcoming exhibition showcases her signature bold, expressive landscapes, capturing the raw beauty of her home on the mountain of Elands on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Through her work, she hopes to inspire audiences to reconnect with nature and appreciate its magnificence.
"My ambition is to extend my abilities, to use other mediums like oil and acrylic, and to create many more paintings to share the love and joy of the natural world," says Suey.
Experience Suey McEnnally's inspiring works at Art Gallery on Darling, Balmain in Sydney's inner west from 25 March to 6 April 2025. The official launch on 29 March from 2-6pm, where you can meet Suey in person.
