When you think of power couples in media, Susan Mikula and Rachel Maddow might not immediately come to mind. Yet, their relationship is one of the most intriguing. If I had to sum up their story in three words, it would be “art meets intellect.” In this piece, I’m focusing on Susan Mikula, photographer extraordinaire and the quiet force behind this successful partnership.
Susan Mikula: The Artist Behind the Lens
Susan Mikula was born on March 7, 1958, in New Jersey and grew up in a family that cherished creativity and art. When she was young, her family moved to New Hampshire, whose stunning landscapes inspired her photography. She also has fond memories of creating dioramas of historical sites, like the Catacombs and the Parthenon, with her parents and siblings.
Image source: The Provincetown INDEPENDENT
After high school, she attended Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she studied color theory and American history. The institution’s self-directed approach to learning matched well with her independent spirit.
The Magic of Susan Mikula’s Photography
Susan has carved out a unique niche in photography. What sets her apart? For starters, she’s a self-taught artist who has never used a digital camera professionally. Unlike many artists who rely on the latest and shiniest technology, Susan limits herself to vintage cameras (especially Polaroids), expired film, and natural light. Why? Because she believes that constraints fuel creativity.
Image source: Art Sake
The first time I saw her photographs was like stepping into a dream—hazy, ethereal, and oddly familiar. Her pieces take you to a place that both feels new and nostalgic. And that’s the power of Susan’s art: it creates memories you never had! Susan’s process is just as intriguing as her images. She often leaves the camera’s shutter open for extended periods so it can slowly capture light.
Notable Works and Exhibitions
Susan didn’t have her first solo exhibition until she was 40. Since then, her work has been featured in numerous locations across the US. Some of her most well-known series include “American Bond,” “Kilo,” and “Desidero,” each exploring different themes in her signature style.
Image source: Susan Mikula
“American Bond” is a particularly fascinating set that explores the gritty and stunning American landscape. Here, she finds beauty in unexpected places—abandoned factories and empty halls, most of us would walk past—and turns them into poetry on print. Susan’s art has also found a home in several impressive galleries, including the Permanent Collection of the US Embassy in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.
The Love Story: Susan Mikula and Rachel Maddow
Susan Mikula met Rachel Maddow in 1999 when Rachel was hired to do yard work (yep, odd job for the feisty commentator) on Susan’s property. Really—it’s the kind of meet-cute that rom-coms are made of. While the pair have very different careers, they complement each other perfectly. For instance, girly Susan helps the very masculine TV host with her on-air looks. Rachel, on the other hand, proudly talks about the photographer’s work on her show.
Image source: People
When Rachel was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2021, Susan was right by her side the entire time. The TV host has also spoken about her depression and how Susan’s support held her together. Susan herself fell seriously ill with COVID-19, which scared Rachel out of her wits. Thankfully, both fully recovered. Despite their busy lives, they make time for each other, which largely means cooking together (Susan’s a great cook, Rachel—not so much!). The couple splits their time between their farmhouse in Massachusetts and an apartment in New York City.
Fun Fact: They don’t have a TV in their farmhouse to limit screen time, although they do keep a small one in NY. Susan likes to watch Rachel’s show on Friday nights before picking her up.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up, I want to share a few takeaways from the life and art of Susan Mikula. One, you’re never too old to pursue your passion. Two, there’s value in doing things your way. Lastly, and maybe most importantly, love and individual passions can co-exist beautifully in a relationship. Love really does conquer all. If you haven’t yet explored Susan Mikula’s work, I encourage you to take a look.
Featured image source: People
