Artist Suzanne Holman dies in microlight plane crash

KEITH JACKSON

SUZANNE ALEXA HOLMAN, 57, daughter of famed PNG artist and sculptor Hal Holman OL OAM and herself an artist of note, has died in a microlight aircraft accident on the NSW Central Coast.

Suzanne and the pilot, Vietnam veteran Carl Carsen, both from Avoca Beach, died when the plane nose-dived into the Tuggerah Lake at Long Jetty early on Wednesday morning.

As the aircraft flew over Tuggerah Lake, its motor spluttered and it crashed into three metres of water killing both people instantly. A coronial inquiry will determine the cause of the crash.

Tributes have flowed for Suzanne, who was one of Australia’s best known community artists.

Central Coast artist, Nina Angelo OAM, who knew Suzanne for 30 years, said her mosaic murals feature along the east coast of Australia.

"She did the first big mosaic at Bondi Beach, which is there on the wall facing the ocean," Ms Angelo said.

"All the way up the east coast of Australia, she was working on public art anywhere you'd go.

"Where tourists would go, near the ocean, Suzanne was called in to design and make those towns into something really special."

Responding to a visitor’s comment, two years ago Suzanne said of her famous mural on Bondi Beach: “I am the artist commissioned to make this mural. My name is on the plaque at the end. It took one year to produce with approximately 500 volunteers and I was only paid for six months work. This is the largest community mural in the world. It’s suffering the salt air and wave action and many of the glazes have disappeared on it but I am glad you all like it.”

Community artists never attract the great financial rewards the art world has to offer, and Suzanne was no exception.

But the rewards she sought, in sharing her art with the community, lay in the beauty she created being able to connect with the public consciousness.

In 1990, Suzanne developed a unique technique of combining glass with terrazzo and brass. One of her first murals using this method is the central motif for the Castlereagh Street entrance hall of Sydney’s Skygarden building.

As I said to my great mate Hal Holman this morning, in one of those most difficult of conversations between friends, unlike most of us Suzanne leaves behind a rich legacy.

Her serene mosaic works radiate joy and the pleasure to be derived from nature.

Suzanne is sorely missed; but, through her art, we’re fortunate to retain her love of life.

Comments

[Julie Maria Fresta]

The West End community in Brisbane South, of which Suzanne was a significant part, feels this loss greatly.

The lizard in West End centre, which she and Helen created along with the community of West End, stands to remind us of her vision and her art and what a truly amazing woman she was. She is missed.

[Dawn Binning]

Suzanne and I worked on the tank mural at the Peninsula Womens' Centre and we became very good friends. I can't believe she is gone in such tragic circumstances.

She was such a wonderful and talented person and will be sadly missed. I know she would want us to remember all the good times.

[Annie O' Brien]

Knew this lovely woman for over 30 years, her smile lit up a room, so genuine & talented, heartfelt condolences to her family....

[Jennie Dias]

Suzanne was a passionate community artist who loved what she did, I am going to miss her and her amazing energy.

[Maria Short]

Only worked with Suzanne for a short period, but feel truly blessed to have worked & have known her.

She was life in its fullest.

Rest in peace Suzanne xo

[Jenny Pineapple]

As a fellow West End artist and occasional assistant on projects I am shocked to hear this news.

Condolences to her family. Last saw Suzanne when she did maintenance on our West End busking spot "the Lizard" and we put the last piece on the lizards head together.

I was always inspired by the beauty of her projects.

R.I.P. Suzanne lots of love xox

[Nat Ferfoglia]

Suzanne was my mentor and my friend.....very sadly missed.

[Sean Manners]

I worked with Suzanne many years ago and was always much enriched by the experience. A sad loss.

[Cassie Richards]

I worked with Suzanne on a mural last year, we spent many many hours together.

She taught me a lot about art and I am privileged to have met and worked with her.

Rest easy Suzanne. My heart is heavy for her family. X

[Michael Harrs]

We loved you Suzanne ... a joy to know!

[Diane Bohlen]

I always wondered who did the Bondi Beach mural. How sad to have such talent ditch into the sea. Sympathy to all family members.

[Leonard Roka]

A lost artist but her legacy is of inspiration.

Breath taking works in pictures I am seeing.

[Michael Dom]

I am sorry for your loss, Hal Holman.