Susan Ryder

When paper is cut, folded, and combined, it creates a subtle range of colors and shadows that imply form and depth. The images I render are a result of the shadows cast on crisp white Bond paper. The subject matter of this collection is taken from things in my life that bring me joy; family, books, flowers, gifts, and work experience. In addition to cut paper art, my life’s work has been fashion and athletic shoe design. As seen through a designer’s eye, shoes are essentially flat pieces of leather or textile combined to make a three dimensional shape that a person can wear. My paper art is a reflection of that process. Many of my methods are taken from apparel pattern making including curved folds and cuts. The resulting forms are sometimes surprising and drive my feeling of joy while making them. Like a shoe you might love, details of my paper pieces are where emotional connections are formed.