In 1989, Susan began layering watercolors and rice paper into colorful collages that begged to be taken out of her studio. Her handmade jewelry design business, Perfectly Clear Studio, was born. Perfectly Clear jewelry has been sold in shops and boutiques throughout the country. Notably, her designs were featured by Mary Matalin and Jane Wallace on CNBC’s popular program “Equal Time”. Other wearers of Susan’s work include Elizabeth Dole, Anne Graham Lotz, and her mom, Joanie.
Oh, here’s something important you should know about her work: Susan visited a friend in Europe and left some of her heart there! She was incredibly inspired by the buildings, language and soft light. She brought back a copy of the french daily journale “LeMonde”. Tiny bits of torn newspaper and meaningful text were layered onto her collages and jewelry. Unconventional additions of twisty bits of grapevine, teensy charms and freshwater pearls brought dimension and even more interesting details to each piece.
2010 finds Susan wrestling with the place of art and creativity in her life. She knows God calls some of His people to work in the arts – that He pours His Spirit in them, gifting them with all sorts of artistic ability a’ la Exodus 31. She had a very satisfying commision in 2009 but has also been pulled in other ministry and life directions. Thoughts? Wait, she has a broken digital camera but once she posts images of said commission and recent work, you can weigh in: Artist or Trophy Wife?
