Suzanne Stumpf: Changeable Views, 2007, 15.5”w x 6”h x 4.5” d (window structure), handbuilt porcelain; reduction fired to cone 10
The interactive sculpture Changeable Views is a very modular work—the windows may be left open or up to four of the twelve tiles may be inserted to create many varied views. The tiles have colors on one side and patterns of black and white on the reverse. Although the tiles were lined up flat and adjacent to each other when a number of colored glazes were applied (so technically there is an “order” to the tiles), the tiles “dialogue” and create interest in any number of combinations.
Metaphorically, windows offer the opportunities to look outward, inward, more deeply, and in new directions. The interactive play possible in this piece is intended as a meditation for its audience.
cone 10
Suzanne Stumpf: Urchin, 2010, 3”h x 11” w x 11” d, handbuilt porcelain with wheelthrown components; oxidation fired to cone 10
Urchin is an interactive sculpture as well as a puzzle. There are 13 barnacle-like components that have been attached (through firing) to the perimeter of Urchin, and there are 10 others that are removable. The movable “barnacles” can be used to make multiple arrangements (on and off Urchin). However, Urchin is also a puzzle: there is only one way that the free “barnacles” can all be fit securely and comfortably into the center space.
Suzanne Stumpf: Whale Sounds, 2007, 8” h x 29” w x 20”d, porcelain or porcelain paperclay; handbuilt with thrown necks; reduction fired to cone 10.
Whale Sounds is a multi-component, interactive sculptures. The shapes were inspired by listening to a recording of whales in which the whales’ calls ballooned rapidly and diminished into fine, thin, high endings. (Although some of the objects can elicit tones when blown, this was not my intention.)
Suzanne Stumpf: All the Little Cups of my Thoughts, 2010, 17”w x 10”d (tray dimensions), handbuilt with wheelthrown components; porcelain and porcelain paperclay; oxidation fired to cone 10
The beautiful and charming Buddhist mediation: “I will drink thy consciousness as joy and bliss from all the little cups of my thoughts” inspired this work. Each cup possesses a slightly different form and exterior texture, while I limited the interiors to a palate of blues and greens.
The “gridded” tray evokes a chess board which is appropriate to the tenor of the work as chess is a quiet, concentrated activity.
Deborah Britt: Blue Butter Dish, 4” x 6”, Wheel-Thrown and Altered, Salt-Fired Porcelain with Slip and Glaze Decoration, Cone Ten, 2011
Deborah Britt: Basket, 12” x 6”, Wheel-Thrown with Hand-Built and Wire Handle, Salt-Fired Porcelain with Slip and Glaze Decoration, Cone Ten, 2011
Deborah Britt: VC Matte Butter Dish, 4’ x 5.5”, Wheel-Thrown and Altered, Salt-Fired Porcelain with Slip and Glaze Decoration, Cone Ten, 2011
Deborah Britt: Whisky Flask I, 5.5” x 6” x 4”, Wheel-Thrown and Altered, Salt-Fired Porcelain with Slip Decoration, Cone Ten, 2011
Deborah Britt: Whisky Flask, 6” x 5.75”, Wheel-Thrown and Altered, Salt-Fired Porcelain with Slip and Glaze Decoration, Cone Ten, 2011
