Sue Rochford
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
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I specialize almost exclusively in wildlife/animal art. It is obvious that some wildlife only tentatively hold their place on this planet and it is only the sustained prioritizing of their existence and their needs that will prevent disaster. Putting images of these animals out there keeps their needs in the forefront of our attention. It is so exciting to be involved in the Orangutan Project because this is exactly the way to remind people of their plight and to help those dedicated people caring for these animals.
Although it is clearly not just about the cute and cuddly, orangutans are hard to pass by without a glimmer of their patent kinship to us seen so obviously in their eyes. There is nothing like looking into the eyes of an orphan orang.
I believe that our wildlife is akin to the canary taken down the mine to test the air, when the canary dies, so do people. If we lose this great ape, it will be the saddest day.
I am very lucky to have my art represented in both corporate and private collections nationally and internationally including Canada, England and Germany. Having travelled to some exciting locations such as Borneo (seeing the orangs first hand), Malaysia and the wilds of Canada, I am keen to promote the wildlife I’ve seen. Australia still retains some of the most exciting animal life in the world and forms a large part of my work, but I’m always drawn back to the apes.
I am also a keen wildlife photographer and have membership of some of Australia’s most important conservation and wildlife care groups. I have a background in ornithology, worked as a volunteer at Healesville Sanctuary and as a hands-on wildlife rescuer and carer.
My work consists primarily of pastel but I also work in tinted and black charcoal, graphite, carbon, acrylic and watercolour. I am available for commissions.
Recent Awards:
First Prize Gavin Kleinert Pastel Award, Ferntree Gully Arts Society (2014)
Highly Commended Wildlife Art Society of Australasia Annual Exhibition, held at the Victorian Arts Society, Melbourne, (2014)
First Prize Print and Drawing Exhibition, Ferntree Gully Arts Society (FTGAS) (2014)
Highly Commended, Casterton Kelpie Association Art Show (2014)
Grand Prize, Annual Members Exhibition, FTGAS (2011)
First Prize Print and Drawing Exhibition, FTGAS (2011)
Highly Commended, Wildlife Art Society Exhibition, Herring Island (2010)
MARCELA
From Plantation Rescue to Forest Freedom
(Rescued 2012 • Released 2016 • Wild & Free)
Marcela, also known as Marsela, was just a young orangutan when she was discovered alone in a palm oil plantationin 2012. The plantation, owned by PT Kayung Agro Lestari in Ketapang, had replaced her forest home—and likely taken her mother’s life in the process.
Orangutan mothers never willingly leave their babies. So when a baby is found alone, it's almost certain the mother has been killed—often in the process of clearing land for palm oil.
Marcela was brought to International Animal Rescue’s centre in Ketapang, where she spent time in quarantine before beginning her journey through baby school and forest school. There, she learned the essential survival skills she never had a chance to learn in the wild—climbing, foraging, and nest-building.
She became a confident and adventurous juvenile, often spotted nesting high in the canopy or exploring alongside her close companions Butan and Bunga. Marcela wasn’t always ready to return to her night cage—she much preferred staying out under the stars, a sign of growing independence and wild instincts.
After progressing through pre-release training, Marcela was finally ready. On 25 June 2016, she began the long, multi-day journey to her new home in Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park (BBBR NP). There, after a night in a habituation cage, Marcela was released back to the forest.
As soon as the door opened, she climbed straight into the trees—and never looked back.
Marcela’s return to the wild is a triumph for her, and for every orangutan who still waits for their second chance.
