A Box of Light--Caja de Luz: Susan Gardner

Susan Gardner, an astute observer of human nature and the natural environment, is skilled at illuminating relationships and drawing contextual meaning from her surroundings. The strength and lyrical appeal of her poems, in English and in Spanish, bridge the gaps between the two languages with clarity of meaning and the best poetic values.

Each poem in this collection appears in both languages. It is a challenging task to translate poetry from one language to another, given the differences in rhythmic feel and expressive syntax between any two languages. In this case, the work is characterized by rich imagery and a clear, concise means of expression, no matter which language serves as the starting point.

Susan Gardner is a uniquely accomplished artist at the midpoint of her career. Her ability to extract what is most essential from the subtle undertones of her experiences and associations is exceptional in every way. She works primarily as a painter, photographer, and poet. Her art is infused with a sense of lyrical spontaneity, of freshness in both form and content. She explores and illuminates the relationships between individuals, society, and nature. Her experiences living in Asia, Mexico, and Europe have added depth and dimension to her understanding and profoundly influenced her art-making. Born in New York, she has made her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for almost twenty years.