Artist Statement
Working primarily with heritage washi, I apply minimal interventions to form a new expression for each sheet of washi. I want to draw attention to the translucency, gorgeous fibre structure, subtle colours, surface textures, as well as the hidden qualities of strength and the subtle differences caused by the choice of fibre, drying method, even the quality of the water used in the process.
My work is process based. I research traditional Japanese techniques for treating washi, often used in the past for utilitarian purposes, then adapt parts of those processes to embed bits of history into the piece.
Some of my work includes many repetitive tasks, which can feel like a homage to the generations of traditional washi makers who have toiled for centuries creating this amazing material.
Bio
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.
EXHIBITIONS
Solo / Duo Exhibitions
2023
Congruence, Propeller Art Gallery
2021
Raw Material, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
Group Exhibitions
2024
Together 2024, Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, Oakville
Letters to the Earth, The Georgina Centre for Arts and Culture, Sutton
Fading Memories, Galerie La, Tokyo
Ontario Society of Artists, Newly Elected Members Exhibition, Neilson Park Creative Centre, Toronto
New Directions, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
2023
Off the Wall, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
Letters to the Earth, Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora
Together, Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, Oakville
Tenuous Threads juried exhibition, Atlantic Gallery, New York
Unframed, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
2022
Off the Wall, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
Longevity, The Japanese Paper Place 40th Anniversary Juried Exhibition, Toronto
Washi Sisters: A journey, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
Old Growth, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
2021
Off the Wall, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
Resilience and Renewal, The Japanese Paper Place, Toronto
Collective Experience, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
Pop-Up Members Show, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
Altered Images at Hand, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
Salon 15, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
Unfurled: Artist Stories, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
2020
Off the Screen, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
Salon 14, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
Mail Art: unlimited Dada, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
2019
Off the Wall, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
The Promise of Sekishu Washi, Propeller Art Gallery, Toronto
GALLERIES and MEMBERSHIPS
Propeller Art Gallery
Ontario Society of Artists
Open Studio
Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild