ARTIST'S STATEMENT
 "As a child, I studied Dance while absorbing Hollywood musicals, film noire and the mysteries of Rembrandt. As an adult, I’ve been seduced by the sensuality, spontaneity and intellectual activity of working with Clay, Colour and the essence of Romance.
I graduated from ECIAD in 1980, with an Honours Diploma in Ceramics. I am inspired by the visual and spiritual impact of art from Ancient and contemporary folkloric World Cultures, particularly Mexico, Greece, India, Southeast Asia and Africa. I am forever inspired by Picasso, Modigliani, Frida Kahlo, Beatrice Wood, Busby Berkeley, Ganesha and Melanie. I create to the rhythms of Jazz, Blues, Tango, and Opera greats, particularly Frank Sinatra, Cole Porter, Astor Piazola and Eartha Kitt.. I have worked and taught from my home-based studio for twenty years.
My desire to "Celebrate the Everyday – Every Day" is expressed through my colourful hand-built Pottery. Initially, the physical construction of overlapping slabs of clay evoked figurative imagery. Eventually the stream-of-consciousness drawings on my pots beckoned to become Sculptures, which evolved into evocative and exotic Portrait Masks, double-sided "Duet" busts and multi-faceted "Spirit Bottles" complete with poetic and musical messages.
I now see my imagery as a marriage of my childhood and adult influences. The Figure dominates my work. I feel compelled to create archetypal icons which embrace the power of Ancient and contemporary World cultures, overlaid with the spirit of song and dance. My work synthesizes and celebrates the interconnectedness as well as the individuality of many cultures and eras. I long to merge the power of Nefertiti with the spirit of Carmen Miranda.
Each stage of my work is a natural progression. Currently, the paintings on my pottery are inspired by the images I create as sculptures; the sculptures are often carrying my pots. I now feel compelled to explore the scale and diversity of my vision by creating miniature to life size figurative sculptures accompanied by luscious and luminous oil paintings informed by these sculptures. Tap dancing and ball gowns are entering the arena. I look forward to creating multi-media installations that tie all these elements together."
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Suzy Birstein has gained recognition for her colourful tableware and sculpture through exhibitions and commissions. Her work has had exposure at the Gardiner Museum in Toronto, National Biennale of Ceramics in Trois Rivieres Quebec, Whatcom County Museum in Washington State, the Kentucky Gallery of Art and Design in Louisville, Kentucky, and The Clay Studio of Missoula, The Design Consortium in Cincinnati and Tajimi, Japan. Locally she has had one-person exhibitions at the Surrey Art Gallery, Vancouver Community Arts Council, and the Gallery of BC Ceramics as well as numerous group shows. She has participated in the annual 'Artists in our Midst' open studios show since its inception in 1992, and now co-ordinates this popular event for Kitsilano. Public restaurant commissions include Tomato Cafe ( 1993-Present), Lingo's Cyberbistro ( 1997-2002) and Notte's Bon Ton Patisserie ( 1991 to Present), all of which serve specialized food on her featured tableware as well as exhibit and sell work continously. Suzy's tableware has been featured on TV and film, including the set design for "Diane Clement Cooks" on BCTV. Stay tuned for Suzy's upcoming feature on HGTV America - "That's Clever!" during 2008 season.
Most recently, Suzy has been honoured with the request to be the only artist and Canadian included in "Everybody wins at the Oscars" gift baskets, given to nominees in the top categories for 2008 Academy Awards! Some limited edition "Motion Pitchers" will be available at her upcoming Solo Exhibit at the Seymour Art Gallery this Spring, featuring nine life size multi-media/ceramic figures, tap, and film! press release
Birstein's influences are strongly rooted in the indigenous cultures of Spanish America, Indo-Asia, and Africa. She graduated from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design with an honours diploma in ceramics and primitive art. Since then she has expanded her iconography and techniques through numerous workshops in clay, papier maché, painting, monotypes, architectural mosaics and knitwear design. A deep love for world music, jazz and opera has inspired her forms and colours. Her travel experiences have further developed her ideas.
Birstein works and teaches from her garden studio in Kitsilano. She participates in the artist-in-residence program in Public and Private schools, and has been teaching at the Arts Umbrella since 1990. Birstein's work has been covered in several publications and catalogues including: the Australian international magazine "Ceramics Art and Perception #63", the cover of American Clay Times Magazine, Vol 11 #5, "500 Animals in Clay", "Great Work - An Overview of Contemporary BC Artists", "Made of Clay - Ceramics of British Columbia", "The Art of Splash", the Vancouver Sun, Louisville, Kentucky's Courier Journal, Jewish Western Bulletin and Vanguard Magazine. Her work is available at Circle Craft in Vancouver, Design Consortium in Cincinnati, and at Suzy's Kitsilano Garden Studio, by appointment.
For more information regarding acquisitions, commissions, or current venues, please refer to the CONTACT page. |
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