Working as a ceramicist to explore some of the many possibilities of clay, Susie’s passion is to combine form, function, and colour and to share optimism. Turning to the solace of creating with clay in the little garden lean-to studio she transformed in our first lockdown and having restored an old kick wheel, she creates mostly wheel thrown ceramic pieces reflecting the uplifting colours of the seasons. Her working process bridges cherishing the sacred of the ordinary, living in the moment and holding trust in future possibilities and opportunities. The impact of her ‘in tune’ approach currently yields unique and exquisite table, home, gift ware, and jewellery that is loved by everyone.
Each pot is a wholly centred meditation of mind, body, spirit, and soul. Susie shapes clay into vessels, and in words of Lao Tzu, ‘it is the space inside that holds what you want’ – for her this is hope; she believes that ‘hope, or hope of it,’ is ‘everything’. Like her emblem (and favourite) the sunflower, she aspires to turn to face the sun, and allow the shadows to fall - encouraging others to follow suit through the powerful affirmations she associates with, and has named, every bespoke piece she produces.
All that Susie is, does and creates is epitomised in the centring, in the appreciation of a ‘perfectness’ in the imperfection of our human condition, and in gratitude. Finding alignment with clay on the wheel, combining and transforming the elements of earth, water, air, and fire into objects of both function and beauty, are what sparks her inspiration. A lump of clay prepared, centred, and shaped - for Susie, both engenders and is a metaphor of hope. That it doesn’t always make it through each stage is humbling, and when perseverance pervades, celebratory sharing is fitting – “pots of it!”
Visit ‘Pots of Hope, Susie’ in combination with the fabulous artists at City Arts Newbury during Open Studios 2023 to enjoy and discover more about these unequivocally beautiful and beautifully useful pieces of centred earth.