Susan Frame
WORKSHOP INSTRUCTOR
has been playing with ink and brush for more than 50 years. She began studying classical Sumi-e while in college, lived in Taiwan to study Chinese flower and bird painting, and studied landscape painting in China with Zhuo He Jun, who she considers her mentor. Susan’s approach to painting integrates “experiments” with energetic brush techniques, and often begins without a sketch or plan. She exhibits and teaches worldwide, and maintains a professional studio in the arts district of NE Minneapolis. Susan has been a member of the Sumi-e Society of America since 1980, and was the editor of the Sumi-e Quarterly 1998-2005, and Member-at-Large 2024-2026. She was the chair of the SSA National Exhibition in Clearwater, FL in 2005, and co-chair (with Moira Mudie, Toronto) of the International Exhibition in Toronto, Canada, 2009. She is currently the president of the Ming Chiao Chapter.
Susan’s exhibition history includes solo exhibitions in a number of galleries and museums in Florida, Minnesota and IA. She has shown in invitational and juried exhibitions in China, Japan, Paris, South Korea, Thailand, Toronto, New York City and Chicago, as well as in many states in the US. She has participated in the Sumi-e Society of America Inc’s (SSA) annual juried exhibitions since 1983 and has won many awards in those shows.
Susan’s book, Japanese Ink Painting: Beginner’s Guide to Sumi-e, Sterling Publishing Co, USA. 2002, was published in seven countries. Her work is also published in numerous haiku publications, and is included in museum, corporate, public, and international private collections.
Artist’s Statement
My paintings are about the beauty of our world. A simple backyard flower inspires me, as does the Northern Minnesota drama of rugged cliffs, cathedral trees and cascading waterfalls. Sumi-e is about painting the spirit of the subject and it’s essence. Picasso once said, “If I paint a wild horse, you might not see the horse … but for sure you will see the wildness.” This is also the heart of sumi-e. I often begin a painting without a plan and I love to experiment with my approach and technique. There is a sumi-e saying that you need to control so that you can let go of control. Learning to control the brush is important. Letting go of control opens the whole world of spontaneity and improvisation. My process is a wonderful journey from the first ink stroke through splashing, pouring, and brushing colors. It fills my heart and brings me peace. I hope it brings beauty and peace to you too.
