Suzy Birstein

Vancouver, Canada

Website: suzybirstein.com

Art Medium: contemporary figurative Ceramic Sculpture, Oil Paintings
Ceramic Technique: Low fire clay, surfaced with underglazes, glazes, lustres, paint & patinas

Merging the powerful beauty of Queen Nefertitti with the song 'n dance spirit of Carmen Miranda

Suzy Birstein, abstract figurative ceramics, ceramic figure sculpture, figurative fine art ceramic sculpture, art figuratif, human form, human art
"ZsaZsa" from "Las Meninas" series
Ceramic
20"x18"x18"

Suzy Birstein, abstract figurative ceramics, ceramic figure sculpture, figurative fine art ceramic sculpture, art figuratif, human form, human art
"….in wonderland"
Ceramic
24"x14"x14"

Suzy Birstein, abstract figurative ceramics, ceramic figure sculpture, figurative fine art ceramic sculpture, art figuratif, human form, human art
"Cirque du Centauris" from Ayanaar series
Ceramic
24"x14"x14"

Suzy Birstein, abstract figurative painting, figure painting, figurative fine art, art figuratif, human form, human art, fine art nude painting
"Mirror/Mirror" from "Moon lights up the night.."
Oil on canvas
40"x30"

Suzy Birstein, colorful figurative painting, figure painting, figurative fine art, art figuratif, human form, human art, fine art nude painting
"Mellow Yellow" from "Moon lights up the night"
Oil on canvas
60"x40"


"My DeLOvely Fever" - still from video


"Cirque du Centauris"
Oil on canvas
28"x24"

Suzy Birstein, abstract figurative ceramics, ceramic figure sculpture, figurative fine art ceramic sculpture, art figuratif, human form, human art
"Moon lights up the night" detail
Ceramic/mixed media
66"x24"x24"

ARTIST STATEMENT

As a child I studied dance while absorbing Hollywood musicals, film noire and the mysteries of Rembrandt. As an adult, I've been seduced by the sensuality, spontaneity and intellectual activity of working with Clay, Colour and the essence of Romance.

I see my imagery as a marriage of my childhood and adult influences. The figure dominates my work. I feel compelled to create archetypal icons which embrace the power of Ancient and contemporary World cultures, overlaid with the spirit of song and dance. My work synthesizes and celebrates the interconnectedness as well as the individuality of many cultures and eras. I long to merge the power of Nefertiti with the spirit of Carmen Miranda.

Each stage of my work is a natural progression. The paintings on my pottery are inspired by the images I create as sculptures; the sculptures are often carrying my pots. I explore the scale and diversity of my vision by creating miniature to life size figures accompanied by luscious and luminous oil paintings informed by these sculptures. Film, tap dancing and ball gowns entered the arena with "My DeLovely Fever" installation and video.

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

2013: "RAWVancouver" multimedia installation, incorporating sculpture, paintings, pottery and tap dance video

2015 (2013, 2011, 2009): "Mia Muse" Art/Travel figurative ceramics workshop and exhibit on Skopelos - Greek Island Paradise with Preludes in Crete, Athens, Santorini….
2014: Ceramic Slippers, commissioned for "Tap Grace Awards" celebrating excellence within international tap community
2012: Invitation to Outsider Art exhibits in south of France
& Spain
2010: Ceramic Art and Perception #80: "Return to the muses of Greece"
2009: "My DeLovely Fever" solo exhibit and
Tap dance film
2008: "Motion Pitchers" - commissioned for Academy Awards swag bags

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