Artist Statement

Working with clay is my best form of play. It is a joy to get my hands in squishy clay only to discover hours have flown by. I hand build small and large sculptural vessels, inspired from nature and the human form. I am also influenced by the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi and by classical Greek and Roman sculpture. It is interesting for me to repeat the same form to explore variations in color, texture and mood. I appreciate how clay responds to the slightest touch; it is supple, delicate and strong.

Artist Bio

Susan Wortman is a New York based ceramic artist who has worked with clay for over forty years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from University of Pennsylvania, her Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University, and a post master’s Certificate in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from the National Institute for the Psychotherapies. Susan is a retired psychotherapist and full time clay artist.  Susan studied ceramics with teachers in Boston, Philadelphia and New York, and for the past 18 years, has been a member artist at Clay Art Center in Port Chester NY.  Susan participated in clay art residencies at AIR Vallarius in France, and at CRETA in Rome.  Susan creates hand built small and large sculptural forms and vessels. She also explores the female form exposing the diversity and beauty of our stretched, scarred and imperfect bodies. Her work is influenced from nature, Rococo art as well as classical Greek and Roman sculpture.  Susan’s projects consist of multiple works developed from a single form. Through repetition, she explores a theme by using a range of textures, patterns and handmade designs. Susan’s work was showcased in 500 Raku published by Lark Crafts.  She has lectured at Gilda’s Club and other art groups and organizations on the healing power of clay.   Susan has participated in group shows at Clay Art Center, NY for 20 years; Pelham Art Center, NY; and ArtsWestchester, NY.  Susan’s latest solo show was at the Hammond Museum, NY in 2019.