Susan Bogard

ARTIST STATEMENT

My strength as an artist is interpretation of movement and sense of form, in drawing, painting, and ceramics.

I am drawn to fluid line; I want the clay to express motion and flow. I am interested in the possibilities of the figure in sculpture. The use of a fiber added clay allows me to extend the properties of the medium. I employ graphic elements, as drawing has always been a primary expression for me. Additives in the firing process enable me to enhance complexity on the smooth surface of terra sigillata, Greek for, sealed earthï, an ancient process. Each piece is fired enclosed in a clay container, a saggar. The fast firing method and metallic quality of raku fits recent work; my sculptures for three collaborative shows in 2009 sought to evoke the struggle, resilience and emergence of women in Pakistan and Afghanistan. I focused on the contradiction of the chador, the enfolding garment that both protects and stifles. The Nike (winged figure) symbolizes the fleeting nature of victory, the ephemeral and uncertain quality that life has for women and girls buffeted by war, their perilous status forced by poverty or who wields power. The sculptures represent my hope for a brighter future for these women and girls, that through their courage and determination they will find the freedom to learn, create, and build lives of peace. Proceeds from these shows benefitted the Central Asia Institute, founded by Greg Mortenson, author of the bestselling Three Cups of Tea; he has built 150 schools in the most remote regions there, also building peace through education.

My paintings have reflected the nature of the West, the mountain environment in which I live. My drawing describes my personal journey.  My work is figurative; I mix media to layer imagery and meaning.  

My current exploration is creating two-dimensional works paired with three- dimensional ceramic sculpture, and wall sculpture.      

EDUCATION

K-12 Teaching Certificate in Art Education, University of Colorado, 1973

University of Colorado, Boulder, Master of Fine Arts 1970
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Bachelor of Arts 1968 

PROFESSIONAL

Jefferson County Open High School art teacher/academic advisor, 1975-2002
Lakewood High School art teacher, 1973-75
Red Rocks Community College drawing instructor, 1972

Teaching at the Open High School in Lakewood, Colorado for thirty years was a rich and exciting adventure in education. I had the opportunity for extensive world travel with students, to design innovative curriculum, and to integrate art into many disciplines and learning experiences. Life beyond teaching allows me to explore again my personal journey as an artist. 

EXHIBITIONS AND AWARDS

2011  Vernon Country Club, July, One woman show

         Three Cups of Tea shows to benefit Central Asia Institute:

2010  Madison and Main Gallery, Greeley, January

2009  Emerge Gallery Denver, November

         Art Center of Estes Park, July

2007  EDGE Gallery individual shows: Prevail, March 2008; So Far, October

         Gilpin County Arts 60th Anniversary Show, hon. mention, ceramics

2006  Lark Books  500 Animals in Clay, two pieces

2005  Grasslands Show with Heidi Jung, Emerge Gallery, Denver

2002  Artist in Residence, Arkansas Arts Council, Batesville, Arkansas, April

REPRESENTATION

Arvada Ceramics Guild
EDGE, 3658 Navajo Street, Denver 80211, associate member

COMMISIONS

"Journey", 5'x9' triptych acrylic painting for CO Senator Mark Udall, Washington D.C. 2010