My sensitivity of the visual realm emerged in childhood, but it was my still early years at the renowned High School of Music and Art (NYC) that deepened that journey. I continued to pursue Painting/Drawing/Ceramics/Works on Paper, over many years that followed (art major: Hunter College, Goddard College). Along the way I developed an interest in Graphic Design, and returned to college once again, this time with a new major, earning my BFA in Graphic Design with high honors (University of Illinois) and solo recipient of ‘Outstanding Senior in Graphic Design’. From there, I went on to San Francisco to work for some of the most sought after and influential graphic designers (Michael Vanderbyl / Vanderbyl Design, and Doug Akagi / Akagi Design), before opening my own office in 1989 in Woodstock, NY, which continues to date (susannaronner.com).

I love designing and the many clients that I create for, but I also found over the years, that I was yearning to do my own art work — untethered from project deadlines, away from technology, and with no one to answer for but myself. In 2017, I discovered ‘Monotype’ printmaking (thanks to Milton Glaser) and it’s been an intense love affair with the medium since then. I’ve also brought Collage back into my life — a form of art making that has been with me since my earliest days — reemerging with the start of the pandemic (the silver lining of not having access to the print studio), and continues to be an expansive visual journey. I approach each work (in either medium) as an improvisation — I meet the ‘canvas’ with trust and curiosity and then see where it takes me. 

I have found a new freedom in it all — bringing to it a creative passion, a cultivated eye, and a lifetime of visual exploration. Happy that my design eye informs my art work and that my art work sparks my design imagination — grateful for it all.

PHOTO: FRANCO VOGT

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