We have a new member to welcome to the CCC and her name is Suzy Birstein! Suzy has been in the Vancouver clay scene for many years and has been an active member in the PGBC and if you visited the Gallery of BC Ceramics lately, you would have noticed some of her whimsical sculptures in their show "Celebration".
Suzy graduated from ECIAD in 1980, with an Honours Diploma in Ceramics. She is inspired by the visual and spiritual impact of art from Ancient and contemporary folkloric World Cultures, particularly Mexico, Greece, Spain, India, Southeast Asia and Africa.
"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 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. The paintings on my pottery are inspired by the images I create as sculptures; the sculptures are often carrying my pots. I explore the scale and diversity of my vision by creating miniature to life size figures accompanied by luscious and luminous oil paintings informed by these sculptures. Film, tap dancing and ball gowns entered the arena with “My DeLovely Fever” installation and video. "
Some recent shows Birstein has been in are:
2015 (2013, 2011, 2009): “Mia Muse” Art/Travel figurative ceramics workshop and exhibit on Skopelos, Greek Island Paradise with Preludes in Crete, Athens, Santorini….
2014: Ceramic Slippers, commissioned for “Tap Grace Awards” celebrating excellence within international tap community 2013: “RAW Vancouver” multimedia installation, incorporating sculpture, paintings, pottery and tap dance community.
2012: Invitation to Outsider Art exhibits in south of France& Spain
2010: Ceramic Art and Perception #80: “Return to the muses of Greece”
2009: “My DeLovely Fever” solo exhibit andTap dance film
2008: “Motion Pitchers” – commissioned for Academy Awards swag bags