Susan Hanna

Susan Hanna returns to the Kettle Moraine Studio Tour with a great deal of enthusiasm due in part to the fact that her participation last year resulted in what become an ongoing relationship with Katie Gingrass Gallery in Milwaukee.

Susan is a ceramic artist who arrived at her present career in a decidedly round about manner. After receiving her undergraduate degree in sculpture (and describing herself as not too about ceramics at the time), she decided to become certified to teach art. While working as a full time art teacher she went on to continue her own art education. She earned a Masters of Art in textiles and fibers at Kent State University. She then reconsidered ceramics and investigated courses at Willoughby Fine Arts, Haystack, and Cuyahoga Community College. At last, in 1991, she established her own studio having gradually acquired the necessary kilns, wheel and other equipment.

Working in her studio at home, Susan decided to experiment with tile work during renovations of her kitchen and bathrooms. This lead to several commissions as others saw and admired her work. To date she has completed a fireplace surround, three kitchens, and one sink with requests still coming.

Now retired from teaching, Susan devotes her time to functional and sculptural earthenware work as well as commissions. Important to her work are the many layered glazing processes that bring energy, wit, color and surprise to her work. To fully experience her work, each piece must be seen from all angles including the bottoms.