Finding “Inner Calm”: Susie Heyes’ Meditative Landscapes Come to Open Ealing
Local artist Susie Heyes is inviting the public into a world of stillness and serenity through her solo exhibition, Inner Calm, at Open Ealing, Dickens Yard (Ealing Broadway). Taking place on 27th April, 4th May and 11th May from 1-6pm, the exhibition showcases a powerful blend of peaceful landscapes and expressive, textured works that reflect both emotional depth and artistic experimentation.
Inner Calm is more than an exhibition - it’s a reflection on the healing power of nature and the quiet moments that often pass us by. Many of the pieces featured were inspired by Susie’s personal journey through mental health challenges, offering a deeply human connection between artist and viewer. A portion of the exhibition’s proceeds - 10% of profits - will be donated to the mental health charity MIND, highlighting Susie’s commitment to supporting others through creative expression and community engagement.
We caught up with Susie to talk about her process, influences and how art became both a sanctuary and a source of resilience in her life.
Q&A with Susie Heyes
Q: Your landscapes beautifully convey both mood and place - how do you approach capturing the emotional atmosphere of a location, and how does your personal journey shape what you choose to paint?
A:
My personal journey with mental health influences both what and when I paint. After going through a particularly dark and difficult period, painting became a way for me to reconnect - with myself, with nature and with a sense of peace. Each brushstroke feels like a small act of healing. I’m particularly drawn to water, openness, and the horizon, which symbolise hope and freedom to me.
The way I approach a painting depends on the style I’m working in, as I use a few different approaches. For this, I’ll focus on my serene and minimalist landscapes, rather than my more traditional or mixed media work.
When I begin one of these pieces, I'm less focused on representing a literal place and more interested in evoking a mood - like stillness or calm. Sometimes I already feel that way when I start. Other times, if I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed, choosing to paint something peaceful helps shift my mindset through the process itself.
I often begin with memories or photos of places that brought me calm or clarity, then choose a colour palette that reflects that. Sometimes the colours match the original scene; other times, I choose them to evoke a particular emotional atmosphere. I usually limit my palette to enhance the sense of simplicity and calm, and I focus on smooth transitions between colours. I’m particularly drawn to sunrises, and my early morning walks with Barney and my husband Pete often spark the beginning of an idea.
Q: Much of your recent work draws on Eastern influences and themes of stillness and calm. What inspired this shift and how do these cultural influences align with your views on nature and wellbeing?
A:
I’ve always been drawn to the elegance and restraint of traditional Japanese art - its ability to say so much with so little. There’s a beautiful simplicity to it that resonates deeply with me, especially during times when I’m craving clarity and calm.
My recent work reflects this philosophy through minimalist compositions, soft gradients, and recurring symbols like the moon and sun - reminders of natural cycles and quiet strength. I think these Eastern influences closely connect with my belief that nature has a powerful ability to help us feel better. I hope my landscapes offer people a bit of breathing space - a quiet moment away from the noise of everyday life.
Q: Having experienced firsthand the healing power of creativity, what would you say to someone who’s never picked up a brush but is struggling with their mental health?
A:
I’d say: everyone is an artist - it’s just about finding the medium and style that works for you, whether that’s abstract art, collage, life drawing or landscape painting.
Whatever the medium or subject, I’d emphasise that art can be an incredibly mindful, enjoyable, and therapeutic experience. I’d ask, “What do you have to lose by giving it a go?” Focus on the process, not the product. Art allows us to express ourselves in ways that words sometimes can’t, and that freedom can be really powerful.
For beginners, it’s so important to let go of judgment and not give up when a piece doesn’t go as planned. Start small. If you’re interested in landscapes, begin with just one mark. Let the page be a space where you can simply feel - without pressure or expectations.
One tip that really helps is to join an art class (such as those at Open Ealing). Alternatively, try following one of the many beginner-friendly YouTube tutorials. They guide you through each step, which can ease the anxiety that sometimes comes with trying something new.
If you're looking for a moment of peace, inspiration, or reflection, Inner Calm promises to be an immersive and uplifting experience - not just visually, but emotionally. Don't miss the opportunity to experience Susie Heyes' powerful and personal work this weekend at Open Ealing.