Please join photographers Susan Ruscetti, Sarah Curley, and Ann Newman for a casual presentation of their past and current work. They each will talk about what they do, and why they do it, leaving us with a greater appreciation and understanding of the Abstract Art Form.

“Women in Abstraction” is the second in our ongoing Meet the Members series where we will be highlighting our AZPA member community — from artists to collectors to enthusiasts — with special focus this year on women photographers.

This event is free and open to AZPA members and friends with RSVP. Please be sure to register today so that our hosts at Art Intersection know how many to expect. Thank you!

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About the Artists

Susan Rae Ruscetti has been shooting abstract images since the 1980s. Beginning in 2017, she started creating images with Intentional Camera Motion (ICM). This technique allows her to “paint with the camera”, evoking the qualities of the abstract artists she most admires. During our evening conversation, Susan will discuss her process and subject choices.

For over a decade, Sarah Curley has been creating cyanotype images on silk or paper. Over the years, she found that her silk images took on a dark, murky ocean feel. By photographing the images that were located in the corners of the silk, she began a project focusing on grief, and the emotions surrounding it. She later added watercolor, pastels, and/or colored pencil to the photographs to reflect the joy and hope that one eventually feels after acknowledging and accepting grief. She currently layers digital negatives and found objects on paper, adding watercolor, pastels, or colored pencil to the abstract images. She also adds embroidery to abstract silk images created from the cyanotype process.

Ann Newman bought a digital camera about seven years ago quite naively. Quickly, she realized that her photography gravitated toward patterns, textures, shapes, and details. As a writer, she discovered symbolism in intimate scenes and began using her photographs as imaginative writing prompts. For her, the appeal of abstract photography is the engagement in connecting deeply to thoughts and feelings. Viewing abstract art slows us down and allows an appreciation of what is in this present moment. Abstracts can open our perspective, encourage creativity, and foster empathy and optimism. Photos don’t always have to portray reality. Nor does life have to be perfect for us to feel joy.

Images Above, left to right: Emerald Haze © Susan Ruscetti, Wonder Around © Sarah Curley, Elephant in the Room © Ann Newman.

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