The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Suzanne Scott, a Dundee artist and illustrator, painted a statue for the Oor Wullie Bucket trail and recently created a public art trail in Monifieth. She shares her love for nature and family
Q Where in the world are you happiest?
A Somewhere surrounded by nature and its sounds.
Q Favourite part of Scotland to explore? A All of it. There are so many places I love, and so many I haven’t seen yet.
Q Who inspires you?
A My partner. He’s so driven and passionate about what he does.
Q Your house is on fire, what one item do you save?
A My phone! We need to phone the fire brigade… and my old photos.
Q Theme song for your life?
A My Silver Lining by First Aid Kit. It’s all about hope and silver linings.
Q Last meal on earth? A Sashimi.
Q Dream post-Covid dinner guests?
A My friends and family. I’ve missed them lots.
Q First thing you’d do if you won £1 million?
A Buy a house with a big garden so we can grow vegetables. The dog would be happy too.
Q If you could rule for a day, what would be the first thing you would do?
A Give everyone the day off to see their favourite person and/or do their favourite thing.
Q Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?
A I have lots of tattoos.
Q Favourite holiday destination?
A The French Alps or anywhere warm enough where I can go snorkelling.
Q What was the last book you read?
A DD Tour’s book Dark Dundee. It’s a brilliant, funny book stuffed with facts about Dundee’s past.
Q If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A Potatoes. You can cook them in so many ways.
Q What makes you happy?
A My partner, friends and family. My dog. Creating. Walking. Being outdoors. Music. Skiing. Swimming. Sunshine. Snow.
Q What makes you sad?
A I’m missing family and friends who live too far away to visit.
Q Do you believe in love at first sight?
A Yeah, why not!
Q Have you ever had a paranormal encounter?
A No, but I do love a good ghost story.
Q If you could go back to any point in history, what would it be?
A When my Oma (grandmother) was young in Holland, I’d love to join her and her siblings in all their adventures.
Q What is the best advice you have ever received, and who from?
A ‘No question is ever stupid if you don’t know the answer.’ My first boss after university said this to me. No one ever knows ALL the answers and it’s OK to ask for help.
Q What do you do to unwind?
A I love walking our dog. It’s a great way to switch off and just be in the moment.
Q Happiest memory?
A There are loads, but one of them is strawberry picking with my closest friend and her children a few years ago.
Q And most embarrassing?
A It was pretty embarrassing getting tangled up on a chairlift skiing. Of course it was in front of everyone… and they clapped!
Q Biggest regret?
A I haven’t seen my niece for nearly two years due to the pandemic. She lives abroad so we have to use FaceTime.
Q What or who are you proudest of?
A I’m really proud I decided to become a freelance illustrator and my own boss. I can’t believe my business WhimSicAL LusH is 10 years old already. It’s hard work but I have met the most amazing people. I’m also super proud that my work has raised around £150,000 for charity so far.
Q Who do you admire most?
A My partner. He is the
kindest person with such incredible inner strength.
Q And who do you detest?
A I detest people who are cruel to others.
Q Who would you like to thank?
A My family and friends, my other half and everyone who has supported me work over the years.
Q What advice would you give to your younger self?
A Be brave! Keep dreaming big!
Q What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to do?
A Leave my old job that I really loved (and paid the bills every month), to start WhimSicAL LusH and become my own boss.
Q Hardest thing you’ve had to give up during the pandemic?
A Cuddling my mum.
Q What’s your motto?
A Dare to dream.
Q Write your own epitaph?
A She always tried her best.
Q What keeps you awake at night?
A The dog jumping on the bed!
Q Where would you rather be right now?
A I’m pretty happy in my studio right now but I’d love to be hanging out with my brother and his wee family. It’s been far too long.