Susan Wills

"I enjoy the process and science of working with clay. Each stage requires unique techniques, acquired skills, time, instinct, and patience. But mostly patience."

Susan's intent is to create a strong design and unique visual element with the hope that her work begins a dialogue that encompasses joy in everyday use.

Wills begins by constructing prototypes and templates to define the size and shape of each piece. The templates allow her to reproduce her designs as well as revisit ideas, refine shapes, and develop new forms. Most of her work is hand built from slabs of stoneware clay. The wares are formed and allowed to dry before being loaded into the kiln. Each piece is fired twice, a bisque firing to temper the ware for glazing, then a final firing at over 2300F to vitrify the clay. Wills often accents her work with hand-tied rattan handles, weathered steel knobs, and handmade decorative elements.

Susan studied graphic design in college and built a career creating designs for advertising, publishing, and web applications. She is mostly self taught in both metalsmithing and ceramics and has been fortunate to have studio space to practice and explore both mediums.