I received a BFA, majoring in ceramics, from ACAD (now AUArts). My ceramics practice includes both teaching and studio components. I have been a long time instructor at the City of Calgary Arts Centres while also maintaining a busy studio practice.

Inspiration:
A short walk from my home studio on the west side of Calgary are magnificent views of the Rocky Mountains. Geese flying over head and the abundance of wildflowers in a nearby green space are a frequent reminder of the amazing place I live and work. I also love escaping to the Alberta foothills where I find inspiration in the natural environment from trees, animals and especially native flowers.
My creative path continually evolves as life experiences and my environment weave their way into the work.

Process For Functional Pottery:
All of my work is created using clays manufactured in Medicine Hat Alberta. I form the clay on the pottery wheel, then slowly dry the pieces before painting each individual vessel with a native wildflower motif. I include the name of each flower on the bottom of the pots.

Throughout the growing season I hike through the Alberta foothills, sketch pad and camera in hand, as I search for the native flowers that inspire my work. Back in the studio I do more drawings based on these sketches and photographs to formulate the paintings that will then find their way onto the pots.

I blend a variety of pigments with clay slip to create the colours I use as my paint. The vessels become individual artworks that reflect my interpretation of these lovely, native beauties.

Process For Sculptural Work:
My sculptures are assembled from individual components formed on the wheel. Each goose is decorated using slips to enhance their individual personalities and smoke fired, often several times, to acquire the light touches of carbon on the surface.

Why sheep standing on the backs of geese you may ask? Its about their individual personalities and group dynamics. Geese have very strong, almost aggressive personalities where sheep are more timid. Yet in my world, they coexist playfully in the same field.

My work has migrated, singly or in flocks to collections in Europe, Asia and across North America.

Thank you for visiting the website,
Suzette