Artist Profile: Susan Makovkin, Ceramics
Clay is the most responsive material I know. It is supple in its damp workable state yet it has clear, strong limits in its compliance. It receives, records and remembers every pressure – as imprint on its surface or as internal stress. I need to constantly remain aware of its character as I work with it.
I choose to hand-build with flat pieces of clay [slab-work] as this method affords a great variety. Expression is attained through carving, scraping, tearing, incising or embossing of texture. Strength and composition are attained through construction based on architectural principles. The high-fire glazes I create combine a low-fire palette with the subtleness of high-fire.
The challenge is to listen to the material as I seek that fine line of its limitations – and as it in turn limits me! It is a profound experience to interact with this ancient and responsive material.
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