Susan Chiquelin
I am an artist. What a joy it is to say that. Clay has made me an artist and gives me great joy. Clay has been my media of choice since 2003. Working with it quickly became my passion and throwing pots on the wheel allows me to fully immerse myself in the act of creation. Clay, especially porcelain, feels wonderful under my hands. Creating slab build pieces is another source of joy. As my pottery pieces begin to take shape and become something both beautiful and functional, I feel centered, peaceful and joyful. I am an artist.
I am a member of the Louisiana Crafts Guild and have earned Master Craftsman certification in clay and have been juried in for fiber as well. I am also a member of the Lafayette Art Association. My work in clay began in 2003 with Lori Sibley at Lucky Mud and I continued my studies with Anita Hughes in Lafayette. I have attended 10 semesters of Intermediate Ceramics at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette under the direction of John Gargano, Department Head. Taking professional workshops/classes both in and out of state allows me to continue my growth and development as a potter. The list of workshops and classes I have attended is extensive: Ron Meyers, Lana Wilson, Deborah Schwartzkopf, Susan Filley, and Leah Lietson at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg TN; Liz Zlot Summerfield and Neil Patterson at Shakerag in Sewanee TN; Antoinette Badenhorst, David Voorhees and Kevin Crowe at John C. Campbell; Lorna Meaden, Robbie Lobell and Branan Meeker at the Kiln, Fairhope AL; Nick Joerling and Brian Nettles in Pas Christian MS; Rodney Brodnax and Elizabeth Cohen at River Oaks Art Center in Alexandria, LA.
