The Art of Serenity

Brisbane artist Sureen Gouws utilises wood and paint to create organic minimalist artworks that promote calm and connection within interior spaces. Her piece, Dusk & Dawn, is currently displayed at Henri Living. We spoke with Sureen about the artwork, her inspirations, and her creative process.

Tell us about Dusk & Dawn, currently displayed at Henri Living.

Sureen Gouws (SG): Dusk & Dawn is a three-panel wall sculpture that captures the rhythm of time and the beauty of life’s natural cycles. It’s inspired by the moments of sunrise and sunset—those transitions that remind us of life’s constant movement. The flowing lines and layered wood textures mimic the interplay of light and shadow throughout the day, giving it a dynamic, ever-changing presence.

What do you love most about this artwork?

SG: I love how the 3D design interacts with the light, creating subtle shifts that draw you in and encourage mindfulness. It’s about pausing to appreciate the moment and reflecting on our unique place within the larger flow of life. Dusk & Dawn is available in seven colours, thoughtfully designed to complement various interiors. As a limited edition of just ten handmade pieces, it offers a unique and exclusive touch to any space, making it truly special.

Dusk & Dawn is part of the Ethereal Cycles series. Where did you draw inspiration for this collection?

SG: I looked to the natural rhythms of life—those moments of transition, like sunrise and sunset, that remind us of the constant flow of beginnings, endings, and everything in between. Each piece draws inspiration from celestial movements, symbolising our connection to these cycles and inviting us to pause, reflect, and be present. When viewing this series, I hope collectors feel a deep sense of calm and connection to the artwork, themselves, and the world around them. It’s about creating a space for reflection, where the shifting light and shadows of the piece echo life’s fluidity and encourage mindfulness. I want each viewer to feel a sense of wholeness and purpose inspired by the artwork’s quiet reminder of their place in the larger patterns of life.

How does your background in interior architecture impact your practice?

SG: It has shaped the way I create and think about art. It’s taught me how pieces interact with their environment—how balance, proportion, and light can completely transform a space. I approach my work with the same mindset as designing a space, considering how the art will connect with its surroundings and contribute to the overall atmosphere. For me, it’s not just about creating a beautiful piece; it’s about designing something that feels like it belongs, enhances the energy of a room and brings a sense of calm and purpose. This blend of architecture and art allows me to create works that aren’t just decorative but integral to the experience of a space.

What is your creative process?

SG: The process behind my work is where my love of architecture and art comes together. I’ve always been fascinated by how spaces are shaped, and my background in architecture gives me a unique way of thinking about form and dimension. I start with simple sketches on the computer—just clean lines—and then build them into 3D models, tweaking them until everything feels balanced and flows naturally. Once the design feels right, I create patterns for each layer and cut them out of thin MDF with a laser. It’s like assembling a puzzle, piece by piece.

Circles are central to your artwork. Why is this?

SG: Circles represent wholeness, unity, and balance—fundamental aspects of life. They’re a universal symbol of inclusivity, feminine energy, and the natural cycles we all go through, from beginnings to endings and everything in between. Each curve invites a moment of reflection, encouraging a deeper connection to your purpose and place in the bigger picture of life.

I’ve always been fascinated by the moon and its influence on us. That obsession with the celestial world shapes much of my art, as I explore our place in the universe and how everything is interconnected. The circle naturally ties into this theme, symbolising the rhythm of time, the dance of light and shadow, and the cycles that shape our existence. Through my work, I want to inspire people to pause, be present, and reflect on their role in these vast cycles while embracing their unique journey.

How important is collaboration to you?

SG: Collaboration is really important to me—it’s where I find new energy and ideas. Working with interior designers, collectors, or even brands helps me see things from a different angle and pushes me to think beyond my own perspective. It’s a chance to align my art with their vision, ensuring the artwork fits perfectly into the space and complements everything else, like furniture, lighting, and textures. I see art as an important piece of the puzzle that helps create a balanced, intentional environment. Collaborating also keeps me growing as an artist. It encourages me to step out of my comfort zone and experiment with new ideas, especially when I learn about a client’s personal story or what they need from the artwork. It’s always an inspiring exchange, and the final result feels even more meaningful because it’s a mix of different creative inputs that make the space come alive.

What makes each of your works unique?

SG: What makes each piece truly special is that it’s made by me personally, entirely by hand. While the design lines remain consistent, I use different textures for every piece, so each is unique—like its own fingerprint. No two pieces are ever exactly the same, which I think adds a personal connection and a story to the work.

Are there particular materials you like to create with?

SG: Texture and paint are what bring my works to life. I gravitate toward soft, muted colours—they evoke a sense of calm and align with the minimalist, timeless aesthetic I aim for. Light and shadow also play a huge role. For me, they’re almost like collaborators. The way shadows shift and interact with the piece throughout the day makes it feel alive and connected to its surroundings. I usually stick to a single colour palette, which lets me focus on how those subtle changes in light bring out different depths and dimensions. In a way, the piece responds to its environment and becomes part of the story, making the connection between the art and the space as important as the art itself.

What is your workspace like, and is there a time of day you like to create?

SG: My workspace is a bright, light-filled home studio with a large central island where I lay out all my artwork. I create everything while the pieces are flat, so I don’t see the final light effects until they’re glued together into their 3D forms—it's always exciting to watch how the light plays on the artwork once it's finished. I share the studio with my husband, Thomas, who brings his architectural background into his art. Having him there is such a privilege; we share the same passion, so there's always great energy in the space.

I also have two studio companions, Honey and Starlight, our English Cocker Spaniels. They love to follow me around and bask in the sunlight while I work, which calms the environment.

As for when I create, I’m most focused in the morning. I like to get through the admin side of things early so I can spend the rest of the day in the studio. There's something satisfying about the hands-on work, like gluing, sanding, and painting. I also enjoy playing with textures and seeing how each stage of the process brings the artwork to life. I usually listen to podcasts while I work—anything from business tips for artists to topics around the mind-body connection. It helps me stay inspired and keep learning while I'm in my creative flow.

What do you hope your artwork brings to an interior space.

SG: I hope it brings a sense of calm and balance. I aim for each piece to create an environment that feels grounding, where people can truly connect with the moment and themselves. I want the artwork to be more than just a decorative element; it’s meant to enhance the energy of the room and invite a sense of peace and mindfulness. When I design, I’m always thinking about how the piece can interact with its surroundings—how the light changes it, how it can add texture and depth, and how it contributes to a space that feels like a sanctuary. I want people to feel like they can step away from the busyness of the world, slow down, and just be. Whether above a sofa or as a statement piece, I want my art to draw people in and allow them to reflect, recharge, and feel inspired.

Sureen, what is next for you creatively?

SG: Creatively, I’m excited about pushing my work in a new direction while staying true to the materials I love. I’ve recently added black to my colour palette, which has opened up new possibilities for experimenting with depth and contrast. I want to explore using the same materials but in a 2D form, focusing more on shades and combining colours in a way that creates subtle contrasts and depth, while still keeping the clean architectural lines and geometric shapes that are central to my work.

I’m also eager to experiment with fabric as a texture. The softness and versatility it brings could create a new layer of depth and tactile quality to my pieces. The goal is to keep growing as an artist, constantly experimenting and pushing boundaries. It keeps the process exciting and stimulating, allowing me to discover new ways to express the same principles of balance, flow, and connection to space. It’s all about evolving and finding fresh interpretations while staying true to what makes my work unique.