A visual sensitivity has been with me since very young, continuing into my early years at the renowned High School of Music & Art (NYC), deepening the journey. I continued to pursue Painting/Drawing/ Ceramics/Works on Paper, over many years that followed (BFA program at Hunter College/NYC, and Goddard College/VT). 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).

Thanks to designer/artist, Milton Glaser, I discovered Monotypes (2017). It was the perfect process to rekindle these early, deep roots as an artist and a stirring for personal creative expression. A life long career as a professional 

graphic designer, honed under the wing of renowned designers, complemented this new medium and creative passion. I approach my work with a cultivated eye — a result of a continuous visual exploration, which remains active and vibrant (design: susannaronner.com / art: susannaronner.art). 

As with jazz, I engage with each piece as an improvisation — I meet the blank ‘canvas’ with curiosity and see where it takes me. I’m accustomed to starting from ‘nothing’ — the result of years creating as a graphic designer, with the intent to each time create anew. This process is instinctive, and one that I trust fully. The energetic relationship of shapes as they come together, pull apart, are tied and interrupted by lines, continues to fascinate me. I stay attentive to how the eye moves around the surface, directing the viewer to specific spots. I’m always amazed how one tiny dot of color or element can be exactly what’s needed, or, too much. 

In Monotype, I tend to restrict the color range, to focus on the shapes at play — never random, always organized, yet free and potent. The serendipity of the print process has its own voice to be respected, mastered and responded to. In Mixed Media/Collage using primarily painted paper, I can focus more directly on the dynamic relationship of color interaction in an unimpeded way, while still focusing on shape, and the effect of line. 

I’ve come to recognize that my visual work reflects the profound role that design, art, dance, music and travel around the globe has had in my life, and continues to have — each influencing the other in a constant round of creative connection. I am grateful for it all.

PHOTO: FRANCO VOGT