Susan's artistic endeavors are always the result of a deeper inner working. She feels inclined to represent what is going on inside of her in some external, lasting way, as a testament to her growing recognition of insight, beauty, change, hope, etc. With a background in education, administration and corporate training, she feels that it is ever important to be both a leaner and a teacher.

Susan's introduction to metal tooling began 9 years ago when she undertook the planning and execution of a camp art program for children of all ages. Metal tooling using a template was one of the popular art experiences at camp. She enjoyed working with the metal, but found design possibilities quite limiting.

Fast forward to August, 2005. After moving to Highland, MI, Susan was struggling to find her place and identity in a new community. As a method of focusing on her journey and all of the people who have been instrumental in her life to date, she undertook the making of a free form tree quilt wall hanging, with each of the leaves bearing the name of one of these influential people. Wanting to let some of her influential people know how valued they are and the enduring effects they have had on her life, she determined to create a lasting impression - a reproduction of a real leaf in copper. To enhance her work, she has explored both antiquing and burnishing. She has since expanded from leaf reproductions to tooling snowflakes in aluminum - reproductions of real snowflake photographs. (It is true that no two snowflakes are alike!) She is struck repeatedly by the beauty of creation in its intricacy and individuality as well as its amazing impact collectively, feeling that it mirrors the importance of the individual life as well as the collective impact of humanity.

Susan feels that creativity dwells within each one of us and that creating (or incarnating) is an integral part of each life. Susan is, above all, an enthusiastic learner and is eager to continue exploring more of her creative side. Although she loves metal tooling, it is her artistic goal to have the opportunity to try at least "one of each" type of art work during her lifetime. So far she has explored primitive rug hooking, paper making, quilting, wood burning, pastels, and jewelry making.

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