Sue Ploeger

Ceramic Artist

 

I make hand-built organic-looking pottery that urges you to pick it up, look closely at it, hold it and be with it.

 

I reveal and revel in the basic nature of the clay, by letting it be itself; cracked or smooth, rigid or flowing, rolled thin as paper or solid as a monolith.

 

Clay comes in many colors and textures.  I enjoy the plasticity, the strength of it; it allows me to treat the clay like fabric or leather, making pleats, draping over molds; its fired rock-like nature leads me to visions of wind-carved sandstone and the sediment layers in a riverbank. 

 

I create complex patterns using different colors of clay in a marbled design, and present these patterns on a simple form, like a bowl or plate.  It’s like taking a snapshot of a dynamic chaotic process, controlled by a simple border, like the rim of the bowl.

 

I am fascinated by patterns and texture, both human made and found in nature.  Pressing a texture or shape into the clay allows the clay to speak that symbol or pattern to the person holding the piece. 

 

I do hand-building of clay because working on the potter’s wheel would enable the perfectionist in me.  I’m trying to encourage my inner child to enjoy un-perfection, un-smoothness, uneven, unpredictable clay work.  It’s a struggle, but it’s refreshing, freeing.  It doesn’t hafta be all smooth and shiny.

 

I will use glaze, but as an accent to the clay itself, not to cover it up.  When doing functional ware, which requires glazing for food safety, I will cover only the eating surfaces and leave the bare clay to frame the glossy glazed surface.

 

I want to connect with people through my clay, thru the filter of the clay.  How will it communicate what I want to say?