Suzy Birstein

www.suzybirstein.com ~ suzy@suzybirstein.com

Artist Statement

As a child, Suzy studied dance while absorbing Hollywood musicals, Film Noire and the mysteries of Rembrandt. As an adult, she’s been seduced by the sensuous spontaneity of working with clay, colour and the essence of Romance.

Suzy’s imagery is a marriage of her childhood and adult influences. The figure dominates her work. She is compelled to create archetypal icons which embrace the power of Ancient and contemporary World cultures, overlaid with the spirit of song and dance.

Her work synthesizes and celebrates interconnectedness and individuality.

She longs to merge the power of Nefertiti with the spirit of Carmen Miranda.

Each stage of Suzy’s work has a natural progression. The paintings on pottery are inspired by her sculptures; the sculptures often carry her vessels. Suzy explores the scale and diversity of her vision by creating miniature to life size figures accompanied by luscious, luminous oil paintings referencing these sculptures.

Film, tap dancing and ball gowns entered the arena with “My D’Lovely Fever” installation and video in 2009.

Suzy’s art has been exhibited, published, and collected both locally and internationally.

Her “Motion Pitchers” were commissioned as gifts for 2008 Academy Award nominees for Best Actors & Directors. “Ceramic Slippers” were commissioned for 2014 “Tap Grace Awards”

Current Gallery representation:  “The Nevica Project” in Chicago and Jonathon Bancroft Snell in London, Ontario.

Publications include  “Ceramic Art and Perception” #80 & #63 and Lark 500 Series

Since 2009, Suzy’s passion for art/travel has led to the popular biannual “Prelude & Mia Muse” workshops in Skopelos, Greece.

Upon graduating with Honours from ECIAD in 1980, Suzy’s home based studio has been her haven for creating and teaching.

She lives with her wonderful husband in Vancouver, Canada.  They have 2 awesome sons and a great cat!

Workshops

Refer to Suzy’s web site