Artist Research #1

Susannah Israel is an American contemporary artist. Living in Oakland, California, she brings forth the relation of humanity and the city through her work. She was born in New York. She received a scholarship from Pratt Art Institute to study ceramics. She also attended San Francisco State University and majored in art. She taught ceramics at Laney College, Oakland. As she traveled, she engaged in diverse communities, expanding her viewpoints on people in relation to art itself.

She is also a writer/composer and was raised by a painter/writer. She speaks of the “gritty” and “passionate” emotions represented in city life (which can also be represented through art).

Some techniques that are evident include the “gritty” idea mentioned above. The unfinished yet finished look. The idea of intentionally leaving starch marks or indents on the clay. I can see how she might add or subtract clay. I can see where she might start when forming her people. How she uses shape to emphasize certain body parts like the head, nose, legs, etc…

It seems that she doesn’t add too much color to her pieces. A lot of them are that brick, orangy color. Some include paint on the face, clothing, animals. This could be an attempt to emphasize certain things like the animals or body features. Some don’t have any paint. This could be an attempt to create unity and balance within her pieces. All of her pieces share similarity. The body shape and proportions are very alike (especially the faces with puffed cheeks, big noses, neutral smiles, and closed eyes).

I chose this artist as her work caught my eye. I enjoy the creativeness she uses in the people she makes. I like the un-glazed, orangy theme she has made. How she sets scenes of characters reading or painting or just being casual. It gives it a sense of realism and allows viewers to compare themselves to the art. She uses animals, sometimes making them harder to find. It’s little things like these that can entertain and inspire viewers. I can also see culture through her work - this also ties into the idea that all of the people share commonality. Although having one meaning, her art allows for many meanings to be developed. For example, the concept of all the people having their eyes closed - this could introduce the thought that they are emotionless or looking for emotion. Or, that they are seeing something that we aren't.