About Priscilla

Priscilla Sutton - Storyteller | Amputee | Curator of Spare Parts
Priscilla Sutton – Storyteller | Amputee | Curator of Spare Parts

Priscilla Sutton was born in Biloela in Central Queensland in the late 1970s. She was one in a cluster of babies born with health challenges attributed to the herbicide 2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T). This chemical is best known as one of two main components of Agent Orange, with the other being 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) which was also used in farming across Australia.

Priscilla was born with heart, vascular, and bone complications. Her right leg and foot never fully developed, and at the age of 26 following years of increasing pain, Priscilla chose to amputate her right leg below the knee, and considers it the best decision of her life.

Priscilla wears prosthetics with artwork provided by her favourite artists Mark Ryden and Marion Peck, which are made by Stuart Crampton at Leading Edge Prosthetics in Brisbane.

Priscilla is based in Canberra, Australia.

Portrait by Erica Gray, "Priscilla at home", 2020
Portrait by Erica Gray, Priscilla at home, 2020
Priscilla Sutton’s prosthetic leg with cover artwork by Mark Ryden, "Clear Hearts Grey Flowers", 2000.
Priscilla’s prosthetic leg with cover artwork by Mark Ryden, Clear Hearts Grey Flowers, 2000.
Priscilla Sutton’s prosthetic leg with cover artwork by Marion Peck, "Young Lord Oliver", 2007.
Priscilla’s prosthetic leg with cover artwork by Marion Peck, Young Lord Oliver, 2007.

Priscilla Sutton on Andrew Denton’s “Interview”

In 2019, Priscilla was interviewed by one of Australia’s most loved TV presenters, Andrew Denton, on his TV show, “Interview”. An extended version of the interview was then released as a podcast, with additional commentary from Andrew. This included Priscilla’s favourite thing that anyone has ever said about her:

“She is a wonderful disability advocate. Better than that, she a wonderful life advocate, and she has a story guaranteed to make you think”.

INTERVIEW WITH ANDREW DENTON · Priscilla Sutton (Podcast)

Priscilla Sutton and Andrew Denton

Public speaking

Priscilla is a popular public speaker and has shared her story at dozens of events including TEDx Brisbane, Woodford Folk Festival, Now Hear This, Yarn, many corporate functions and awards nights.

Priscilla SuttonShe regularly appears on ABC Radio, speaking about prosthetics, amputee life, and plant based food.

Priscilla is happy to share her story, the story of Spare Parts, and how this creative project pathed a new direction in her career and personal life. If you are interested in having Priscilla speak at your next event please get in touch below. However, with respect, please do not ask Priscilla to speak at your event for free.

Spare Parts

Spare Parts is an exhibition that brings together a diverse range of artists all using pre-loved prosthetics as their canvas.

Priscilla came up with the concept after cleaning out a cupboard at home and wondering what to do with the legs she couldn’t wear anymore.

The exhibition has been a huge success, and has provided a unique opportunity to create an open and positive conversation about prosthetics and amputee life.

The exhibition has been held three times, twice in Brisbane and once in London during the 2012 Paralympics. In additional, works from the exhibition have been loaned to numerous exhibitions around the world, including Collectomania at Queensland Museum, and Opulent Mobility in California.

Spare Parts lol

Contact Priscilla

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