Susan Lynne Crockett was born on May 15, 1954, to Karolyn and George Crockett. She has two siblings- an older sister, Christine Morgan, and a younger brother, Dr. Jay Crockett. Due to her father's work in engineering design, the family moved from state to state in her early years. The Crockett family eventually settled in the rural town of Clinton, the site of Hamilton College, in upstate New York. Susan attended the local Clinton schools and enjoyed her childhood time in the quiet atmosphere and deep snows of the country.
Susan Crockett later attended Ruskin College of Art, Oxford University, England, and graduated with a degree in Fine Art from the Rochester Institute of Technology, School of Art. While at RIT University, she resided and painted in a loft studio at Binghamton, New York. Susan was a gifted watercolor artist and worked in a variety of media including print making and oils. She created several greeting card designs for Worldling Designs Publishers and appeared on WABC's "Good Morning New York" to demonstrate her art techniques. Her watercolors were exhibited at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, New York. Susan also had solo shows in Washington, DC, and was represented by Gallery K co-owned by Komei Wachi and Marc Moyens. Susan's unique "Cakepeople" ornaments were exhibited and sold at the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery and exhibited at The National Museum of American History in Washington, DC.
Susan's artwork was quirky, thought-provoking, joyous and witty. It was defined by a sophisticated use of color and patterns. Women in masks, boardgames, and tables clothed and laden with plates of food were featured in many of her watercolors. Her "Cakepeople" ornaments decorate many household walls and holiday trees around the world.
On February 14, 2002, Susan Crockett married her husband, Charles Knaack, and settled down in Elkridge, Maryland, just outside of Baltimore midway between the museums of New York City and Washington, DC. She helped set up and manage many new art galleries in the areas surrounding Baltimore and Washington. She was a strong-willed, independent woman who enjoyed producing her artwork, loved to cook, and spent many hours in her extensive gardens. Susan would quickly make long-time friends out of perfect strangers. Susan passed away on March 3, 2011, leaving behind many friends and a lifetime of art.