Fred & Susan Borthwick work out of their home studio, Lakeshore Clay in Tavares, FL. They have been creating with clay for over 40 years. Fred and Susan met in the ceramics lab at Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio. Life happened as both pursued family, degrees and careers. Fred received his MFA in sculpture and ceramics from Notre Dame University, ran their ceramic studio and pursued an IT career. Susan worked as an art therapist before earning her MA in art education from Ohio State University. She taught art for 23 years. After retiring they moved to the central Florida area to be near family and soak up the warm weather. Even though they share a studio, a home, two kids, three grandkids and many memories, their artwork is as individual as they are.
Fred was drawn to ceramics because of its inherent three dimensional nature and sculptural promise - the ability to go from functional to sculptural within the same medium. All of his pieces are high fired stoneware or porcelain that are wheel thrown, hand-built or a combination of these two techniques. Textural surfaces are frequently incorporated into the ceramic forms along with a variety of colored slips, stains, and glazes during the final stages of his creative process. He is currently working with crystalline glazes which demand exact firing and cooling temperatures to produce beautiful crystals on the surface. The pottery is fired in several large electric kilns using an oxidation atmosphere for the majority of his work. When not using the electric kiln, Fred enjoys working with a more immediate firing technique known as Raku.
Susan is inspired by her love of clay and a commitment to having fun with her creative process. Her current work relies on finding a personal connection to each piece; seeking to see the figure(s) emerge from the clay and step into reality. Susan’s “PlayBabies” utilize a Japanese colored clay technique known as Nerikomi. The layered colored clays twist and distort into unique patterns that dance across the surfaces with a playful elegance. Susan’s figurative landscapes use ceramic underglazes and stains to create tree and cloud filled scenes, a home for birds and a joyful space. These landscapes allow Susan to “paint” with clay as she infuses her landscapes with a human spirit.