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Suzanne Crane - Artisan Member



see more at: http://www.suzannecrane.com

 

In my studio I create a wide variety of stoneware vessels, dinnerware, and decorative objects. I have also recently developed a line of tiles, tile murals, and sink basins. I am pleased to accept commissions for vessels, tableware, or architectural tile work, including fireplace and mirror surrounds, kitchen and bathroom backsplashes, and floor accents.

 

Artist’s Statement:
My work is inspired by the graphics and pottery of the Arts and Crafts movement, by the abstractions of flora and fauna in 19th Century natural history book illustrations, by fractal geometry, and by my family’s interest in botany and land conservation. . I throw my stoneware very thin, and pull delicate twisted handles. When glazed in my temmoku black, the handles and rims of my pieces are often mistaken for iron, belying the actual delicacy of the stoneware. Each of my pieces begins with a walk in the mountains and woods of Virginia, where I gather the wild plant specimens used in making the botanical impressions. All of my pieces are wheel-thrown, using a buff-colored stoneware clay body and a porcelain slip. After throwing, many pieces are stretched from the inside using a wooden rib to create thin-walled, bulbous forms I use a church-key to make a textured pattern around the rims and bases of my pieces, pressing one point at a time. Knobs, handles, and feet are hand pulled from stoneware. I use my own glaze recipes: temmoku black, copper ash, amber celadon and blue celadon. The work is fired in reduction to cone 7/8 in a 60 cubic foot sprung-arch downdraft propane gas kiln.

 

Awards:

  • Niche Award Finalist, 2003
  • Honorable Mention, ACC Sarasota 2002
  • Judge’s Choice, Cain Park, 2002
  • First Place Ceramics, Saint Louis Art Festival, 1999.

Exhibitions:

  • “Summer Show,” Katie Gingrass Gallery, Milwaukee WI 2003
  • “ Treasures,” John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI, 2002
  • “ Eastern Influences,” Washington County Arts Council, Hagerstown, MD, 2002
  • “ Art For Living,” Artisans Center of Virginia, Waynesboro VA, 2001

Suzanne Crane

Mud Dauber Pottery

4225 Earlysville Road

Earlysville, VA 22936-

(434) 973-7943

E-Mail: sue@suzannecrane.com

Web Site: http://www.suzannecrane.com

 


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