The font named "Ebola," created by the talented and imaginative font designer Susan Townsend, embodies a unique blend of artistic expression and powerful thematic elements. At first mention, the name suggests a connection with the serious and tragic nature of the Ebola virus, hinting at a design possibly laden with social commentary or intended to evoke emotional responses tied to the virus's impact on human society. However, any interpretation of this font must transcend its provocative name to appreciate its qualities and intentions as a piece of typography.

Susan Townsend is known for her capacity to imbue her creations with both aesthetic beauty and conceptual depth, often challenging or engaging her audience through her choice of themes, names, and the visual characteristics of her fonts. "Ebola," as a creation, could be expected to reflect this approach, combining visual elements that perhaps suggest the organic, rapid, and unpredictable spread of a virus with a craftsmanship that makes the font usable and appealing in various design contexts.

The visual aesthetics of the "Ebola" font might translate the theme into its design through irregular shapes, abrupt strokes, or perhaps a disconcerting asymmetry mimicking the chaotic and devastating nature of the disease. This could be complemented by a fluidity in some characters that contrasts with more rigid or broken elements in others, symbolizing both the fluid transmission of the virus and the fragmented societal structures in its wake. Such a design would be effective in drawing attention to content, making a bold statement in headlines, posters, or projects aiming to provoke thought or awareness.

Despite the somber inspiration, Townsend’s artistic expertise would ensure that "Ebola" maintains a level of functional beauty. It might offer a range of weights or styles, broadening its applicability from journalistic pieces to public health campaigns, without losing its inherent message. The balance between its visually striking nature and utility in practical applications showcases the designer's skill in creating fonts that are not only carriers of text but also of profound messages and themes.

In essence, the "Ebola" font by Susan Townsend can be seen as a testament to the power of typography in marrying form with function, and art with social commentary. It stands as a potentially compelling tool in the hands of designers and communicators who wish to provoke thought, inspire action, or simply create with a typeface that carries a deeper resonance beyond its visual appeal.