Biography:

Born in Woodside, Queens, New York, in 1947, Susan’s youth was involved with school, art and family. In 1971, she married and moved to New Jersey.

Opening her own ceramic business in 1979 enabled Susan to work with ceramics, porcelain, stoneware and clay, for over 25 years. When she sold that business in 1985, she began working for the Department of Defense - U.S. Army, as a Technical Equipment Illustrator, working on intricate technical illustrations and digitals.

Susan earned her Associates Degree in Graphic Design in 1997, from Sussex County Community College, Newton, New Jersey. In 2000, she earned a BFA Degree from William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey, and in 2005, Susan achieved a MFA Degree from William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey.

Susan’s interest for photography began about 22 years ago in 1990, and it has slowly grown to a passionate obsession. Susan studied with some of her favorite photographers: Robert Farber, Ralph Gibson, George Holz, David Horton, Douglas Kirkland, Mary Ellen Mark, Robert Maxwell, Elizabeth Opalenick, Phil Perkis, Platon, Ernestine Rubin, Robin Schwartz, Joyce Tenneyson, Jock Sturges and Michael Zweibel. She is very thankful that all of these photographers have added to her creative process.

Her photography work involves metaphors and the darker side of life. Susan mostly exhibits black and white photography, as she feels these images emulate moods and emotions, rather than emphasize color.

Over the past three decades, Susan judged a variety of competitions and exhibitions, and has received numerous prizes and awards for ceramics and photography. Her solo and group exhibitions in photography have traveled across the country, and been shown in galleries and museums in Florida, Chicago, Washington, DC, New York and New Jersey.

In 2009, after 25 years of service Susan retired from the Department of Defense, U.S. Army, at Picatinny Arsenal, where she worked as a Technical Equipment Illustrator.

In 2008, Susan was elected as the President of the National Association of Women Artists, Inc., with headquarters in NYC, and a chapter in Florida. In 2010, when her Presidency was over she became the Executive Director of the National Association of Women Artists, where she is presently employed.

Please check out her website at: www.susanghammond.com