Here’s the eighth episode in Propeller’s PODCAST series: BEYOND THE FRAME, featuring Susan Ruptash
BEYOND THE FRAME features one-on-one inspiring interviews with Propeller artists, taking you inside the artists’ process; allowing the listener to hear first hand, the intimate stories behind the art!
Episode #8 Susan Ruptash
Susan writes:
I talk about my work with heritage Japanese washi – my inspirations, my processes and artistic approach. Through exploration of the particular characteristics of strength, translucency and gorgeous fibre structure, I seek to unlock the untold stories and embedded meanings of the innermost qualities of the washi.
“Through exploration of the particular characteristics of strength, translucency and gorgeous fibre structure, I seek to unlock the untold stories and embedded meanings of the innermost qualities of the washi.”
Susan Ruptash

Many thanks to the following:
BEYOND THE FRAME is a result of an initiative by artist, Tracy Thomson, who joined our collective in 2021. Professionally recorded at The Orange Lounge, and hosted by member, Doris Purchase, this new podcast series is a wonderful example of Propeller’s motto, “Artists Empowering Artists”!
The BEYOND THE FRAME team includes:

- Producer: Tracy Thomson
- Host: Doris Purchase
- Graphics & Animation: Phil Nguyen with artwork by Doris Purchase
- Audio Engineer: Spencer Sunshine
- SFX: Vlad Nikolic
- Recording Studio: The Orange Lounge, Toronto
- With support from Par Nair and Lisa Johnson
Enjoy and please leave a comment below to let us know what you think!
Wonderful descriptions of how the respect you have for Heritage Washi affects your work with it. Thank you Susan!!
Thank you so much, Nancy! I so appreciate your amazing support and all that you share about this incredible washi.
A great podcast Susan.
You are so much in harmony with the Washi and it was amazing to discover that you actually listen to the paper and its wellbeing.
Have you been to Japan and visited the paper makers?
Congratulations and I look forward to all your upcoming work.
Thank you, Michelle, it so fun to make the podcast – an amazing crew who made it so easy. I am so lucky to have travelled to Japan – in particular visiting the washi town of Echizen. I was so honoured to visit the studio of Ichibei-san Iwano IX, a Living National Treasure of Japan, and the ninth generation of his family to make the most incredible heritage hosho washi. I can’t wait to go back again!