Artists Registry

Charleston SC United States

https://www.susannakopchains.com/

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Artist's Statement

I am a former graphic designer turned ceramic artist
specializing in functional pottery and sculptural ceramic art. Creating art with my hands is what drew me to work with clay as a medium of expression.

It is very satisfying knowing that my handmade, utilitarian pottery will be used and handled by others in their homes. Working with clay can be a very intimate experience. I find comfort in knowing that my customers may feel a similar sense of intimacy when using my pottery.

Inspiration for much of my sculptural work originates with the allure for things worn and aged, delicate and decaying. Textures, patterns and objects from nature, as well as architectural details are elements that I incorporate into my work. Shadows cast by my sculptural work are also elements I try to focus on. Expressing emotions and life-changing experiences through my sculpture has become a recent passion of mine. I relish the challenge of seeking unconventional ways to display my sculpture as it can open the door for viewers to experience clay in a new way.

Resume

Education

2006-2012 Non-matriculated, ceramics classes, Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) – Branchburg, NJ

1989 MFA (Graphic Design), Rochester Institute of Technology – Rochester, NY

1987 BA (Studio Art), University of Vermont (UVM)– Burlington, VT

Workshops & Other Education

2019 2-Day Workshop with Doug Peltzman, CCA – Bedminster, NJ

2017 2-Day Workshop with John Dix, CCA – Bedminster, NJ

2016 7-day Journey Workshop with Steven Hill, Saratoga Clay Arts Center, Schuylerville, NY
2-Day Workshop with Beth Cavener, Saratoga Clay Arts Center, Schuylerville, NY

2015 2-day Workshop with Steven Hill, Potters’ Guild of NJ
1-day Paper Clay Workshop with Jennie Chien, Alison Palmer Studio, S. Kent, CT

2014 2-Day Workshop with Mary Barringer, Alison Palmer Studio, S. Kent, CT

2013-2019 Ceramics classes, The Center for Contemporary Art (CCA) – Bedminster, NJ

2013 Master Wheel Throwing with Joyce Michaud, Hood College – Frederick, MD

2012 6-Week Raku class with Ann Tsubota, RVCC – Branchburg, NJ

2011 1-Day Workshop with John Dix, RVCC – Branchburg, NJ

2009 1-Day Workshop with Jim Jansma, RVCC – Branchburg, NJ

2008 3-Day Workshop: “Firings Galore”, with Bruce Denhert, Peters Valley – Layton, NJ

2007 1-Day Workshop with Jeff Shapiro – Accord, NY

2006 Studio Visit with Bennet Bean, Bennet Bean Studio – Blairstown, NJ

2001 Papermaking Class, Dieu Donné Papermill – NY, NY

1994-1996 Ceramics classes with Larry Michelotti, Larry Michelotti Studio – Hoboken, NJ

Juried Exhibitions

2021 2020 International Orton Cone Box Show – NCECA (virtual exhibit)
Juror: Winnie Owens-Hart, ceramic artist, cultural researcher, curator, film maker, educator, author

2020 CCA Members’ Juried Exhibition – Watchung Arts Center, Watchung, NJ
Jurors: Doris Ettlinger, illustrator, and Michael McFadden, art and design professor

2015 Studio Montclair’s 18th Annual Open Juried Exhibition, ViewPoints 2015 – Aljira, Newark, NJ
Juror: Jeffrey Wechsler – curator for the Sylvia Wald and Po Kim Art Gallery, NY, NY

2014 25th Annual NJ Small Works Show – The Art School at Old Church, Demarest, NJ
Juror: Wes Sherman – exhibitions chair, trustee at CCA, Bedminster, NJ

2013 Rites of Spring, Gallery At 14 Maple – Morristown, NJ
Juror: Jeanne Brasile – gallery director, Walsh Gallery, Seton Hall University

2012 2012 International Juried Exhibition, CCA – Bedminster, NJ
Juror: Edwin Ramoran – curator at large for the Bronx Council on the Arts

Juried Student Show, RVCC – Branchburg, NJ
Juror: John Yau – poet/critic; associate professor, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers, U.

2011 Juried Student Show; RVCC – Branchburg, NJ
Juror: Mark Shetabi – painter, sculptor, assistant professor, Tyler School of Art, Temple University

2007 Juried Student Show, RVCC – Branchburg, NJ
Juror: Jim Toia – artist, art professor and director of Grossman Gallery, Lafayette College

2006 Juried Student Show, RVCC – Branchburg, NJ
Juror: Adam Rogers – director of admissions, School of Visual Arts

Group Exhibitions

2022 - Studio Union: An Art Junction, group exhibition, Redux Contemporary Art Center, Charleston, SC

2020 - Annual Members’ Non-juried Exhibit, CCA – Bedminster, NJ

2019 - Annual Members’ Non-juried Exhibit, CCA – Bedminster, NJ
- ARTsee Happening – performed raku demos – Ross Farm, Basking Ridge, NJ

2018 - Annual Members’ Non-juried Exhibit, CCA – Bedminster, NJ
- ARTsee Happening – performed raku demos – Ross Farm, Basking Ridge, NJ
- Earth Wood & Fire, group exhibition, Gallery on Division – Somerville, NJ

2017 - Annual Members’ Non-juried Exhibit, CCA – Bedminster, NJ
- ARTsee Happening – performed raku demos – Ross Farm, Basking Ridge, NJ
- The Journey Workshop Exhibition, Saratoga Clay Arts Center, Schuylerville, NY
- ARTsee Open Studio Tour – Basking Ridge and Bernardsville, NJ

2016 - Annual Members’ Non-juried Exhibit, CCA – Bedminster, NJ
- ARTsee Happening – performed raku demos – Ross Farm, Basking Ridge, NJ
- ARTsee Open Studio Tour – Basking Ridge and Bernardsville, NJ

2015 - Annual Members’ Non-juried Exhibit, CCA – Bedminster, NJ
- ARTsee Happening – performed raku demos – Ross Farm, Basking Ridge, NJ
- ARTsee Open Studio Tour – Basking Ridge and Bernardsville, NJ
- Bernards Twp Parks & Rec. Community Art Show, Environmental Ed. Center, Basking Ridge, NJ 2014
- Annual Members’ Non-juried Exhibit, CCA – Bedminster, NJ
- ARTsee Open Studio Tour – Basking Ridge and Bernardsville, NJ

2013 - Annual Members’ Non-juried Exhibit, CCA – Bedminster, NJ
- ARTsee Open Studio Tour – Basking Ridge and Bernardsville, NJ
- Bernards Twp Parks & Rec. Community Art Show, Environmental Ed. Center, Basking Ridge, NJ

2012 - 2nd Annual Alumni Art Exhibit, Davis Center, UVM – Burlington, VT
- ARTsee Group Exhibit, Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission – Somerville, NJ
- Student Show, RVCC – Branchburg, NJ
- ARTsee Open Studio Tour – Basking Ridge and Bernardsville, NJ
- Independent Study Students Exhibition, RVCC – Branchburg, NJ
- Bernards Twp Parks & Rec. Community Art Show, Environmental Ed. Center, Basking Ridge, NJ

2011 - ARTsee Open Studio Tour– Basking Ridge and Bernardsville, NJ
- ARTsee Group Show; Farmstead Arts – Basking Ridge, NJ
- Student Show, RVCC – Branchburg, NJ
- Independent Study Students Exhibition, RVCC – Branchburg, NJ

2009 - Remains of the Day - Group Show, RVCC – Branchburg, NJ

2008 - Student Show, RVCC – Branchburg, NJ

1989 - Masters Thesis Show, Rochester Institute of Technology – Rochester, NY

Recognitions & Awards

2020 Honorable Mention, Annual Members’ Non-juried Exhibit, CCA – Bedminster, NJ

2018 Award of Excellence, Annual Members’ Non-juried Exhibit, CCA – Bedminster, NJ

2014 Award of Excellence, Annual Members’ Non-juried Exhibit, CCA – Bedminster, NJ

2013 Award of Excellence, Annual Members’ Non-juried Exhibit, CCA – Bedminster, NJ

2013 Nota Bene Award, RVCC – Branchburg, NJ

2008 Nota Bene Award, RVCC – Branchburg, NJ

Other Experience

1989-1999 Graphic Designer, Lewis Gace Bozell – Fort Lee, NJ