ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist's Philosophy

Susan Ryles is a clay artist living and working in Tucker, GA, a suburb of Atlanta.

"I started in clay about 10 years ago and fell in love with the medium. I usually start with a general idea of what I want but once my hands are in the clay things often take off in a different direction. I try to be open and allow the clay to speak to me, allowing the work to manifest through me and communicate in whatever way it is meant to.

Although I have worked with many techniques, I am drawn mainly to handbuilding, particularly the architectural aspects of building with slabs. I like the structural challenge slab building presents. Juxtaposing that structural element with something spiritual or whimsical reminds me of the constant striving for balance between the structural, logical, left brain side of myself and the free flowing more playful, creative, right brain side.

The other aspect of clay that is so rewarding is the change that the clay undergoes during the process. From a lump of wet dirt to a thing or object which is very malleable and changeable, to a bone dry state in which the piece is very fragile, to a bisque fired state in which the raw clay is hardened some into a state in which it can be handled easily and glazed, to the final state of being glazed with a beautiful and shiny colored surface. It's a great metaphor for life… malleable, fragile, hardened, shiny and glazed!

There are so many places in the clay process as in life in which things can go wrong or deviate from the vision we have, but therein lies the opportunity for creation of something beautiful and unique. It's a challenge and a gift at every milestone. It has taught me a lot about patience and paying attention at every step both to the clay and in life.

There is a spiritual aspect to my work. My pieces are one of a kind. My hope is that each piece speaks to something inside the viewer on an energetic level that somehow draws them in and emotes feeling, love and beauty."

E-MAIL SUSAN RYLES >>

Resume

• Clay project featured on HGTV's "That's Clever" - Spring/Summer 2007
  MORE DETAILS >>

• Honorable Mention - Stone Mountain Art's Station Juried Members Show - June 2006
  MORE DETAILS >>

• 2006 President of Tucker Arts Guild - Tucker, GA
  MORE DETAILS >>

• Feature Article in Atlanta Journal Constitution - April 27, 2006
  MORE DETAILS >>

• Feature Article in Up Close & Personal in Tucker - April 2006
  MORE DETAILS >>

• Tucker Arts Guild Opening Show - Tucker, GA - May 13, 2006
  MORE DETAILS >>

• Romo Gallery - affordableARTmarket Castleberry Hill, Atlanta, GA - April 2006
  

• MudFire Gallery - Atlanta, GA
  MORE DETAILS >>
  • Atlanta Tea Pot Festival, TeaPots-A-Go-Go Juried Exhibit/Sale - April-May 2006
  • National Teapot Exhibit and Sale, TeaPots-A-Go-Go - April 2004
  • MudFire Holiday Show - December 2003
  • National Teapot Exhibit and Sale, TeaPots-A-Go-Go - April 2003
  • MudFire Holiday Show - November 2002

• The Thread Project: One World, One Cloth - "Weaving a social fabric that celebrates diversity, encourages tolerance and promotes compassionate community."
  MORE DETAILS >>
  • 3 Panels of cloths and clay buttons on display at the Indigenous Exhibit at the United Nations, NYC - May - June 2006
  • Cloths and clay buttons displayed Colorado Springs Airport, Colorado Springs, CO - July - September 2004

• Labyrinth Center - August 2005 - February 2006 - Marietta, GA

• Mary & Martha's Place Fund Raiser - November 2004 and 2005 Atlanta, GA

• Magdalene Day Workshop/Conference - Atlanta, GA - July 2004, 2005, 2006
  

• TeaSpace Restaurant, Atlanta, GA - 2003

• Work purchased for use in a feature film - 2003