From tiny Japanese slippers to a gigantic map of the Twin Cities (made of words and languages of people who live there), my art reflects the world I see and feel. My works are maps of imaginative geography, paintings and 3-D collage objects which I exhibit locally and nationwide. My art and community work deal with telling our stories and connecting across differences. I teach people to make art about themselves and their world, using all kinds of materials and techniques; then share it with their community.
I have degrees from Brown and Cornell Universities, and studied art at the University of Minnesota, MCAD, and the WARM Mentor Program. I’ve led art workshops In the U.S. and in Japan, including at the Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Minnesota History Center, and Walker Art Center and in classrooms across the state. I’ve received art grants from the MN State Arts Board in 2004, 2009, 2013, and commissions from public and private organizations in the U.S. and abroad. My project “Talking Suitcases” turns stories of immigration, memory, love and loss into unique 3-D story objects in suitcases. I won the “Changemaker of the Year” award for this project from the MN Women’s Press, honoring my “impact on the lives of women and children.”
Program Offerings
Residencies
Talking Suitcases
2-9 sessions
Participants of all ages and backgrounds create lively, unique 3-D art objects about their lives and what matters to them most. They show their art in suitcases, and take objects out one by one to show and tell; or they can create a one-time special box like a “Favorite Place” or “Dream Box” to share with their group. Materials used include: 2-D and 3-D materials- wood bits, hot glue, decorative papers, drawing, fabric scraps, “jewels,” beads, sequins, wire, boxes, sparkly Mylar, suitcases and more. Susan teaches how to make a pop-up of yourself to put in a favorite place or other special box.
Each session focuses on a question like: What’s an activity you like to do? What’s a favorite childhood memory? What is a struggle you’ve experienced, and how did you handle it? What’s a favorite place for you? What is a special memory? Who has inspired you in your life? What is a time you felt like an outsider? What’s a dream for your future?
Susan shares: I demonstrate a technique or structure for easy art-making, and supply materials (fabrics, papers, hot glue, beads, wire, wood bits, etc.) to help people get started. Then each person develops their own artwork to tell a personal story that will be placed in their box or suitcase. The residency ends with a final event where participants share their artwork and stories.
People reflect on their life, give shape to important memories, and then share their stories and art with a wider public. The aim is both for people to reflect on their experiences, and also to listen deeply and discover depth and similarities in others’ lives.
Susan has led this project with all ages from kindergarten to elders, in communities of many backgrounds including Korean, Hmong, Somali, Vietnamese, Jewish, Muslim, and more in Minnesota, in other states, and in Japan.
This residency is offered and adapted to classroom settings, community groups, and older adults.
“Susan was very kind and patient, and she was very flexible and willing and able to adapt to each Residents level. One of our Residents stated that he absolutely loved Susan’s class, and that it has made a difference in his life, and helps him to talk, express and remember different experiences that he has had in his life.”
Activity Director, Older Adult Care Center
