Susan McKinnon Collection

About Susan McKinnon

 

"My work is inspired by historic fashion, fabrics, patchwork and embroidery. I am captivated by the textures, patterns, and colours created through these crafts and their place within certain occasions." - Susan McKinnon

 

Susan McKinnon is from Pictou, Nova Scotia. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2014. She currently lives in Medicine Hat, Alberta. 

 

Susan's pieces are first thrown on the potter’s wheel. Next, the pieces are altered using a combination of both slab and wheel thrown parts. When the work begins to stiffen up, she maps out the patterns on each piece before delicately carving the patterns into the surface. Each piece is then hand painted with underglaze which is also applied to the recessed areas, while the excess is wiped away. After bisque firing, a wash of black underglaze is applied and wiped away. Next, the inside of the vessels are glazed, and flashing slip is applied. Lastly, all of the decorated and slipped areas are protected by a coat of wax resist, in preparation for the pot’s final dip in glaze. Finally, the pieces are ready to be loaded into the soda kiln.

The soda firing process deposits a glassy residue on the work causing the surface to vary from matte to glossy. Soda ash is introduced into the atmosphere of the kiln, which travels around the kiln depositing its glassy residue and toasty flashes. The placement of each piece determines how much soda will be deposited on the pieces while the flames and the sodium vapour move around the kiln. The pieces that emerge from the kiln are often reminiscent of aging fabric items.

 

 

Product Details

• Tall Vase $120
  • Measurements: 15 x 12.7 cm
• Cake Stand $60
  • Measurements: 20.3 x 12.7 x 2 cm

 

Disclaimer: The product may slightly differ from the image.

 

Care Instructions: We recommend hand washing artist wares. Dishwasher detergents may damage the exterior decoration.