Susanna Goho-Quek: The compulsive artist

Like many creative people, Susanna Goho-Quek is full of ideas. And being a big-hearted person, many of her ideas have to do with helping others. Whether it's a train-the-trainer session with refugees, 'so that they can earn some income by teaching art', or fund raising for students whose funds have been cut, or working with the blind, all the projects involve art in some form. 

Compulsive, impatient and always on the go, she is also an expert and collector of Chinese bound shoes, tiger rugs, antique furniture and has written and illustrated several picture books.

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The first book, God is Hu shows her love of nature and love of life and reminds me of the words from the hymn: All things bright and beautiful (Cecil F Alexander, 1818-1895):

• Refrain:
  All things bright and beautiful,
  All creatures great and small,
  All things wise and wonderful:
  The Lord God made them all

1. Each little flow’r that opens,
   Each little bird that sings,
   He made their glowing colors,
   He made their tiny wings.
2. The purple-headed mountains,
   The river running by,
   The sunset and the morning
   That brightens up the sky.
3. The cold wind in the winter,
   The pleasant summer sun,
   The ripe fruits in the garden,
   He made them every one.
4. The tall trees in the greenwood,
   The meadows where we play,
   The rushes by the water,
   To gather every day.
5. He gave us eyes to see them,
   And lips that we might tell
   How great is God Almighty,
   Who has made all things well.

Susanna also illustrated a book of poetry, Water by Australian author Christopher Cheng. My favourite book of course is the one published by Oyez!Books, our publishing house, Fun At the Opera.

Susanna's mother owned and managed a Chinese opera troupe and growing up, Susanna was surrounded by relatives and opera performers. In 'Fun At the Opera,' Susanna recreates her memories of the magic of opera - although not all the fun was related to the performance - with her colourful, rambunctious illustrations.

You may browse through every page of the book from the publisher's site here.

Finally, a picture of Susanna with fellow-artist and gallery owner, Philip Wong, that, in my opinion, encapsulates all that she is.