Susanna Blunt, the acclaimed artist from North Vancouver, British Columbia, has left an indelible mark on Canada’s currency through her iconic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on Canadian coins. While her work is transitioning off the coins, Susanna Blunt’s dedication to her artistry remains unwavering.
1. A Destiny Above a Bank:
Born in 1940s northern China, Susanna Blunt’s parents worked for HSBC, foreshadowing a career that would see her art featured in banks across Canada.
2. A Royal Achievement:
Blunt’s design of Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait on Canadian coins made her the second Canadian artist to achieve this historic honor in 2002.
3. Beyond the Coins:
Susanna Blunt’s illustrious career encompasses diverse artistic endeavors, from working for Yoko Ono to showcasing her sculptures at prestigious international exhibitions.
4. Art as Life:
At an age she prefers not to disclose, Blunt has no plans of retiring. Art is her life’s breath, and she cannot fathom giving it up.
5. The Joy of Creation:
Blunt’s home is a testament to her creative spirit, filled with works in various stages of completion, including sculptures, collages, and prints.
6. Sculpting Emotions:
Blunt’s sculptures, like her ongoing Warrior series, explore deep archetypal themes and are constructed from eclectic materials.
7. Artistic Inspiration:
Blunt’s art is visceral, driven by emotion rather than intellectualism, and her creative process is guided by intuition and sensation.
8. From Yoko Ono to Surrealists:
Blunt’s artistic journey took her from working for Yoko Ono to being inspired by surrealists like Gordon Onslow Ford during her time in San Francisco.
9. A Lifelong Learner:
Despite her success as a portraitist and muralist, Blunt sought to expand her skills and attended The Art Institute at Capilano University to learn sculpture.
10. A Career Renaissance:
The highlight of Blunt’s career came with her sculptures being featured at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, marking a transformative moment in her artistic journey.
While Susanna Blunt’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II may slowly disappear from Canadian coins, her artistic passion remains undiminished. With a lifetime of creativity and a drive to keep pushing boundaries, she continues to inspire and enrich the world of art, one masterpiece at a time.