Art focus: Henry Scott Tuke at Falmouth Art Gallery

MAKER'S FOCUS

Susy Ward Ceramics

“My studio is a happy and welcoming place,” says ceramicist Susy Ward. This much is true as we chat in her Redruth studio at the artist hub Krowji. Surrounded by packed shelves of work in varying stages of progress - some made by students, some by Susy herself – from mugs, jars and plates to bowls of all sizes, I feel the three bears would be in their element here.

“My focus is on workshops these days as my exhibitions, last year and this, were cancelled and with no Stithians Show, Royal Cornwall, Lowender Peran, Open Studios and the like, sales have been sporadic at best.”

When I arrive, student Molly is learning to throw and has a very happy smile on her face. “I love it when they get it,” says Susy. “It’s such a good feeling.”

Susy moves to the completed work, and produces pieces made by siblings holidaying with family in Cornwall. “Over their five weeks with me, they each produced a large platter and matching plates with totally different surface designs. They made my Monday mornings brighter.” The pieces are beautiful, surely destined to become heirlooms.

Susy has had to redesign and rearrange the studio to accommodate the workshops, “buying in more wheels, a shedload of new tools and a clay extruder, as well as having a 4ft x 8ft table built. Of course, new shelving covering two walls had to be built to hold increased volume – it's still something of a work in progress, because although full of energy and ideas, I’m no spring chicken so the heavy work is commissioned out.

“Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to offer options and watch as the pieces take shape. I don’t just point to the clay and tools, I offer examples of what can be achieved from the making to the surface decoration.

“So many people are told in school that their efforts are poor and they take that with them through life. As a result, they don’t feel they have the right to express themselves with their marks. Hopefully that does not happen these days.

“People don’t have to commit to learning on the wheel and they don’t have to commit to learning long term. I offer one-off taster sessions either for themselves or as a gift. Most people buy 20 hours; some take all 20 hours in one week, some over ten weeks or less. When and for how long is up to the student.”

A number of Susy’s students have gone on to become professional potters themselves with their own set-up and growing fanbase. “Love it!” beams Susy.

From the attention to detail that Susy instils, I can see why. Looking around, I see hundreds of handmade tiles. “These are being made by a pair of – I won’t say students, because they are focused on this one task, and I am helping them achieve their goal. The tiles will adorn their bathroom wall,” Susy explains. “The sketches are beautiful and the end result will be magazine worthy - there will be an estimated 5,000+ tiles.” That’s some project, and it proves there are no limits.

“I am as happy teaching the skills and discipline needed to become a professional potter as I am helping someone make a memorable piece during a two-hour session. I have been fortunate in my life to have met and worked with people who have been generous with their knowledge. I like to think I, too, am that generous person.”

From pottery evening classes in Falmouth to private lessons with established potters, and an HND course at Camborne College - “the best thing I ever did” - followed by a degree course, Susy concludes by saying: “I have had many and varied jobs/ careers in my time, and I have LOVED every decade from the ‘50s onwards. I have raised children and grandchildren, and now have five great-grandchildren. Somehow, I have ended up right here with a huge smile on my face.” l Susy Ward Ceramics, G10 Percy Williams Building, Krowji, West Park, Redruth, TR15 3AJ. Tel: 01209 254897 www.susywardceramics.com