Originally from New Mexico, art has always been a part of Sue’s life. After moving to South Carolina in 1984, she set up a studio near Columbia and worked as a production potter. In 2004, Sue attained an MFA from Clemson University and taught ceramics there part-time for the next 6 years. She is a juried member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Currently, Sue lives near Asheville, North Carolina – a beautiful place for visual stimulation and creativity! Not quite a production potter any longer, she works full-time in the studio – creating one-of-a-kind pieces, teapots and limited series. Sue has been studying Ikebana since 2010 and has attained an Instructor level in the Ichiyo School. Sue says “Working with flower arrangements has been very informative in creating containers for Ikebana use”.
“In 1984, I put down my paintbrushes and picked up soft, throw-able balls of clay. No turning back. ”
ARTIST STATEMENT
It is said that the work one makes comes out of the way one lives life. I look toward simplicity, color and playfulness as a way of expression, combined with a traditional approach to working with clay. My work primarily begins from wheel-thrown forms, as I enjoy the energy this gives to clay. Through a wide variety of altering techniques and the combining of forms, the works I create have three dimensional interest, gesture, and animation for interpretation by the viewer.
As a ceramic artist, I find it is also important to keep originality and creativity in my work. Exploring new ideas and one-of-a kind pieces allows for this. Just as the gradual swirl up the side of a mug causes a natural resting place for your hand, the intriguing combination of altered forms will cause you to pause and smile.
I like to work in a series with particular inspirations as a creative jumping off point. The enjoyment in being a maker of handmade objects is a wonderful starting point. When working within a limited series of pieces, I will develop small bodies of work for different occasions or time of year. The fun connections made when people are attracted to the pieces they choose and take home illustrates a certain completion to the original ideas. The connection to the aesthetic of each pottery piece continues in the pleasure of living with handmade objects in ones daily experience.