SUSAN GANS PotteryByGans@aol.com |
It has been more than 40 years since I first began working on a potter’s wheel. During my senior year in high
school, having already chosen my career path as an Occupational Therapist, I took an art class. The first
semester was learning to throw pots but I was allowed to do that for the whole year with my final exam being the
creation of a tea pot. This encompassed all the techniques necessary for functional pottery – a pot, spout, lid,
and handle. I was hooked!
There have been long spells of time where I was unable to find a studio where I could study; however, I have
been consistently throwing on the wheel for the last 10 years. I take weekly classes at the Clay Art Studio in
Port Chester, NY where I have been influenced by Georgia Tenore, Reena Kashyap and a myriad of other
teachers who have all contributed to my craft. I focus on functional pottery for everyday use whether it is mugs,
bowls, vases, berry and batter bowls or candle warmers. Most of my work is high fire reduction with some
Raku. I am drawn to earth-toned glazes. I get joy out of the learning process (creating different forms and
trying new glaze combinations) and then seeing others enjoy using what I have made.
I have been selling my work at various craft shows in NY and NJ for the last 3 years. The experience of
meeting attendees and discussing pottery brings me joy. My philosophy of life is that one should never stop
learning. I strive for that in my job as an Occupational Therapist (currently a Rehabilitation Supervisor in Home
Care) and as a functional potter.
school, having already chosen my career path as an Occupational Therapist, I took an art class. The first
semester was learning to throw pots but I was allowed to do that for the whole year with my final exam being the
creation of a tea pot. This encompassed all the techniques necessary for functional pottery – a pot, spout, lid,
and handle. I was hooked!
There have been long spells of time where I was unable to find a studio where I could study; however, I have
been consistently throwing on the wheel for the last 10 years. I take weekly classes at the Clay Art Studio in
Port Chester, NY where I have been influenced by Georgia Tenore, Reena Kashyap and a myriad of other
teachers who have all contributed to my craft. I focus on functional pottery for everyday use whether it is mugs,
bowls, vases, berry and batter bowls or candle warmers. Most of my work is high fire reduction with some
Raku. I am drawn to earth-toned glazes. I get joy out of the learning process (creating different forms and
trying new glaze combinations) and then seeing others enjoy using what I have made.
I have been selling my work at various craft shows in NY and NJ for the last 3 years. The experience of
meeting attendees and discussing pottery brings me joy. My philosophy of life is that one should never stop
learning. I strive for that in my job as an Occupational Therapist (currently a Rehabilitation Supervisor in Home
Care) and as a functional potter.