About the artist

Chapter One

Susan’s roots are Californian.  Her formal training is in fashion design, from clothing design to visual merchandising. She had a grandmother who was a model, interior designer, artist, and restored paintings. Maybe it is DNA? From a young age, Susan was interested in creating art and this creativity was fostered. She was exposed to museums and galleries as a child and creativity was valued and encouraged.

Chapter Two

Susan moved to Europe where her family was living in Berlin during her 20’s. This had a significant impact on her life and work. She was absorbing the City. She was an explorer, and life was an adventure! Europe. The people, languages, architecture, art, traveling, food,

Chapter Three

After leaving Berlin she moved to Taos, New Mexico where she learned folk art in the style of “Jim Wagner” and became a self-taught furniture painter, exploring the folk-art traditions of New Mexico. She picked up her paint brushes and went to the studio chose a canvas and started to paint, then everything began to change.

Susan considers herself taught by many and schooled by a few.. Susan has taken various art classes and workshops throughout her life and is a lifelong learner, she has deep respect and gratitude for the wisdom and skills of her teachers and peers that have helped her on her artistic journey. 

Susan is married to French chef Alain Jorand. She lives and works in beautiful Santa Fe, NM with her cat Gato Boy and four chickens named Ruth Bader Ginsberg, I Love Lucy, Oprah Winfrey and Greta Thunberg.