Founder's Series Artists' Talks: Susan Ruptash

At The JPP, we are always excited to see how innovative artists discover the special properties of washi. Rather than using Japanese paper as a surface to be drawn, printed or painted on, as is the norm with paper, Susan Ruptash sees washi itself as the medium.

Through ongoing research and experimentation, she comes up with unique new genres and formats by applying “minimal interventions”. Susan's successful career in architecture has informed her "explorations of structure, form, materiality and process.” Of particular interest is Susan's focus on .

Join us to follow her journey from architect to washi artist. Susan will share how she developed a deep love for Heritage Washi and infinite respect for its makers. She will bring samples of her varied and beautiful works which will no doubt inspire you to explore this versatile medium further too!

Susan Ruptash is a Toronto washi artist who works in a variety of paper arts including explorations of handmade Heritage Washi, printmaking and bookmaking, building on a lifelong fascination with the properties and possibilities of paper. Susan’s career as an architect has informed her explorations of structure, form, materiality and process.

Susan is a member of the Ontario Society of Artists, Open Studio (focussing on intaglio printmaking), and the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild. Susan’s work often includes embedded efforts that may not be readily apparent on viewing, but contribute to the finished piece through a curiosity and respect for the materials. For this reason, many of her works appear minimalist at first glance. (from: https://susanruptash.com/about/)

Host or Publisher The Japanese Paper Place