Susan Beiner


San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts Catalog

Accession no: 2000.1 A-B Type of work: Ceramic
Permanent Collection

Artist/creator: Susan Beiner
Artist biography: Susan Beiner received a BFA in ceramics from Rutgers University, New Jersey and an MFA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. After graduation she moved to Detroit to begin concentrated studio work as adjunct faculty for the College for Creative Studies (CCS) at the College of Art and Design. Her mentor was Tom Phardel. He was adventurous about experimenting with new glazes, surface orientations and techniques. Teaching slip casting for five years at CCS taught Beiner an enthusiastic and disciplined zeal for the potential of using molds to satisfy her vocabulary.

Title of work: Beans, Bolts and Screws Teapot
Date of item: 2000

Signed: No apparent signature
Dimensions: 8.5”h x 10”w x 6”d (21.59 x 25.4 x 15.24 cm)
Description: Teapot made out of what appears to be a pile of bolts and screws glued together (trompe l’oeil). It has a silvery, metallic finish. It is made into the basic shape of a teapot and includes a spout, handle and removable lid.
Material: porcelain
Technique: slipcast
Medium: ceramic
Country of origin: U.S.

Artist’s statement about work: Working in my studio is a constant adventure. Exploring form is pure playfulness and allows me to weave through ideas. My sense comes alive and I am delighted in the celebration of voluptuous form and succulent color. I am captivated by the complexity of encrusted volume. The intense rhythm and excessive nature inherent in the process of layering is the essence of energy.

Condition: Good, from Condition Report dated 4/28/04
Conservation future: None required from Acceptance Authorization, June 22, 2000.

PURCHASE
Provenance: Purchased from artist with funds provided by the SAMFA Collector’s Society. from the 13th San Angelo National Ceramic Competition. Source: 13th San Angelo National Ceramic Competition Fund(s) used: SAMFA Collector’s Society

History of object: Purchased from artist by SAMFA Collector’s Society for the museum’s collection. Accepted by SAMFA, June 22, 2000.
Exhibitions: 13th San Angelo National Ceramic Competition, San Angelo, TX, April 13-June 18, 2000.
Restrictions: Credit line: Purchased through funds provided by the SAMFA Collector’s Society.

Cataloger name: Karen Zimmerly
Date: August 6, 2005
Sources used: Museum file