SUSAN Lerner
SUSAN Lerner · Source: New York Artists Circle · Rights retained by the original rights holders
- Medium
- Found Objects, Paper, Recycled
- Based in
- New York City; Washington, CT
- Practice
- Books, Collage, Installation, Mixed Media, Works on Paper
Susan Lerner is a New York City and Washington, CT based contemporary hand-cut collage artist. In her prior profession as a Certified Flavor Chemist, Susan ‘collaged’ chemicals into unique flavors but now she uses paper… Full biography
Biography
Susan Lerner is a New York City and Washington, CT based contemporary hand-cut collage artist. In her prior profession as a Certified Flavor Chemist, Susan ‘collaged’ chemicals into unique flavors but now she uses paper as her medium. She loves the collage process, finding joy in the hunt for imagery, meditation in cutting paper and delight in creating nostalgic compositions. Since 2017, she has shown her work in six solo shows in New York City and Northwest Connecticut and over 30 group shows including in Brooklyn and Chelsea, NY, Wiesbaden, Germany, the Scandinavian Collage Museum in Norway and most recently in Paris, France. Her work has been published in numerous periodicals including “Collage Care Transforming Emotions and Life Experiences with Collage” by Laurie Kanyer and its companion book, “Collage Care, the Method”. Susan is the co-founder of the New York Collage Ensemble which promotes a supportive community of like-minded analog collage artists in NYC. Her most notable sales are to restaurateur David Bouley and the Kanyer Art Collection and her work has been licensed with Jiggy Puzzles.
Artist statement
As a hand cut collage artist, I am particularly drawn to vintage imagery and maps, as they evoke a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. My work is a reflection of the power of visual storytelling and its ability to connect us to our memories and emotions.
My process involves carefully selecting and sourcing materials from old books, magazines, found photographs and maps then excavating, dissecting and layering them to create a new narrative. By juxtaposing images from different eras and locations, I aim to create a sense of timelessness and to invite the viewer to explore the connections between seemingly disparate elements.
The work communicates personal experiences by literally traveling down memory lane, exploring the world near and far. Many of these collages are grounded in New York City, which represents home. Others elicit the desire to travel and explore the world and different cultures and often incorporates themes of social justice. Ultimately, the work embodies the attitude that anything is possible.
