About – Susie Hartley Sculptures

The story Behind my creations

Figurative sculpture has been my passion since graduating from Canterbury College of Art 30 years ago. In the late 1980s, I continued this work in London, taking private commissions. In the mid-1990s, I moved to Lewes, East Sussex, working on props at Glyndebourne Opera House and later teaching Art and Design at a Sixth Form college. My recent ceramic pieces, exploring colour with oxides and glazes, are commissioned by private and commercial clients, including interior designers. You can find a selection of my work on the website or in various galleries in Sussex and London.

technique

Studying Sculpture at Canterbury College of Art in the 1980s, I focused on creating large-scale clay sculptures from life models, mastering techniques such as casting in plaster and bronze. The ‘lost wax’ technique, learned in the college bronze foundry, captivated me with its intricate processes and the allure of the softness in the finished bronze works.

In the last five years my interest shifted towards ceramic glazes and oxides, driven by the vibrant and intricate colours and textures they offer. Operating a kiln in my studio , I love experimenting with glazes and oxides and the serendipity in each firing as I open the kiln door to reveal the distinct sculptural outcomes.

My ongoing exploration involves experimenting with diverse glazes as I seek to discover deep, warm and rich colours to complement my sculptural forms.