Susan Whelan – Bio
The mud got under my fingernails by accident in 1991 and I haven’t been able to get it out ever since. I love the medium. It is so magical. The alchemy of turning wet, sticky earth into hard, colorful art never fails to delight me. I can’t imagine ever running out of ideas of things I want to try to make in clay.
When I sold my Dobbs Ferry pottery studio in 2004 to move to Kingston NY, I felt I had burned out as an administrator and were no longer an artist. After renovations were completed on our Victorian home I set up a studio in my home. Back in the basement once again I was delighted to have mud under my nails. The first class in September at Hot Mud was always pinch pots, so I followed my own advice and pinched the first 200 pounds of clay in my new studio. Just in time for the first firing a young Russian potter showed up on my doorstep looking for a place to work. Three years later, Liza Polishchuk and I are still collaborating and supporting each others work.
Confronting the issue of how an artist actually makes a living, especially in clay in the age of globalization, I began working for the U.S. Census Bureau in 2005. It’s fascinating work and I’ve learned many things about myself and life. It’s intermittent work and allows me a flexible schedule that will always include clay time.
I’m interested in joining forces with other clay artists to form a collective in Kingston. My fantasy is a place where many contribute time and energy to support each other and our art. The full fantasy includes a gallery space with additional space for teaching and perhaps production.
For now Liza and I are delighted to carry on in the basement. We’re always up for visitors so give a call and stop by to see what we’re up to.