#206 From Wheel Throwing to Handbuilding with Susan McHenry
In this podcast episode, host Nic Torres interviews Susan McHenry, a master of earthenware pottery. They discuss Susan's journey from wheel throwing to handbuilding in ceramics, the highs and lows of pottery-making, and Susan's hobbies of baking and...
In this podcast episode, host Nic Torres interviews Susan McHenry, a master of earthenware pottery. They discuss Susan's journey from wheel throwing to handbuilding in ceramics, the highs and lows of pottery-making, and Susan's hobbies of baking and independent film. The conversation then dives into her creative process, her botanical-inspired designs, and her use of colored slips. Susan shares her experiences with troubleshooting clay and glaze recipes and how she turned obstacles into opportunities for growth. The episode wraps up with an exploration of the role of nature and community in Susan's artistic journey, her experiments with glaze, and her advice for emerging potters. You can learn more about Susan by checking out her Instagram @susanmchenryceramics
Top 3 Value Bombs:
1. Susan McHenry transition from wheel throwing to handbuilding in pottery reveals the importance of adapting and evolving in your craft. Despite physical challenges, Susan found new ways to express her creativity, demonstrating that limitations can often lead to unexpected and rewarding avenues of exploration.
2. The conversation highlights the significance of problem-solving and determination in pottery. Susan shares how encountering obstacles in her pottery-making process, such as troubleshooting with clay and glaze recipes, often provides learning opportunities and leads to growth in her craft.
3. The role of community and nature in Susan's artistic journey underscores the impact of external influences on personal creativity. Her love for gardening and her participation in a clay community have not only shaped her unique pottery style but have also contributed to her personal and professional growth as an artist.
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Susan McHenry
Studio Potter/Writer/Educator
Susan McHenry is a studio potter, writer, and educator who lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with her husband, Mark Nepo, and their dog, Zuzu. She makes hand built functional pots for everyday use and believes pottery crafted by hand with thoughtfulness and care can elevate simple, everyday moments. Born and raised in upstate New York, Susan received her MFA in Writing and Literature from Bennington College in 1999. She teaches ceramics at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts in Kalamazoo, Michigan, offers workshops, and is a regular contributor to Ceramics Monthly. Her work is represented in both national and regional galleries, including the Charlie Cummings Gallery in Gainesville, FL, and Pewabic Pottery in Detroit, MI. She is a member of Artaxis, a peer-reviewed network of international contemporary artists in ceramics and sculpture.
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