Biography

After completing a B.H.Ec.(University of Manitoba), Susan worked for six years in the fashion industry as a designer and buyer, but gave up the plastic world of fashion for a second career as a potter. She completed a B.F.A.at the University of Manitoba, where she studied under Bob Archambeau and Paul Rozman. Susan relocated to Toronto, Ontario in 1986 to study ceramic design at Sheridan College ( Oakville, Ontario) with Bruce Cochrane and Winn Burke.

In her Bloor West Village studio, Susan produces colourful functional porcelain and sculptural raku for corporate customers and retail shops. Some of the porcelain work is produced collaboratively with Seaforth, Ontario potter Robert Tetu, whose elegant thrown forms act as a canvas for Susan's vibrant abstract floral decoration. Susan's work was featured in the 1995 movie, "The End of Summer", starring Jacqueline Bisset and produced by MEC Summer Productions Ltd. Partnership. Susan also produces commissionned replicas of Japanese Edo period tea bowls for the Reproductions Shop of the Royal Ontario Museum.

Susan has exhibited widely for over twelve years across Canada and internationally, and participates in the Bloor West Village Art Tour each June. Articles written by, and about Susan, have appeared in FUSION Magazine, contact Ceramics Magazine, Modesty Magazine, and Ceramics Monthly.

For several years as a partime instructor at Sheridan College (Oakville) Susan taught Business & Professional Practise to graduating students in the Faculty of Animation, Art and Design. She presently teaches recreational pottery to adults for the City of Toronto and through private studios. Susan has served as a juror for the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery Shop, Waterloo, Sheridan College student awards committee, Millpond Centre for the Arts, FUSION's Pottery and Glass Sale, Burington Art Centre Art and Craft Market and for the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition.

Susan has volunteered in the Ontario arts community on the executive of several pottery guilds, and on the Board of FUSION: The Ontario Clay and Glass Association as Membership Director, Board Chair, nominatio ns Director and she co-ordinated the FUSION Silent Auction for nine years. In May 1998 she was awarded Lifetime Membership in FUSION for her volunteer activities.Currently Susan participates as programmes co-ordinator for Toronto Potters and Burlington Potters, is a member of the Acquisitions Committee of the Burlington Art Centre and a Board member for the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition.