MIA MUSE: Figurative Ceramics Workshop  2y suzy Birstein

Creating unique ceramic sculptures amid the influences of the
ancient yet vibrant culture of Greece may sound like a dream, but it
has become an integral part of my art practice since I began offering
ceramic workshops on the Greek island of Skopelos in 2009. This
September, I am excited to be offering a third two-week ceramic
workshop, building on the strong relationships I have forged over the
last several years with the Skopelos Foundation of the Arts as well as
with the Vancouver Greek community.

As a young woman, trying to find my way in life, I lived on some
magnificent Greek island beaches and still feel the beauty and freedom
that influenced my choice of a life career as a ceramic artist. To return
to Greece now after three decades as an artist and teacher, allows me to
facilitate for others the inspiration and desire to create that continues
to feed my spirit.

One of the wonderful aspects of a workshop on a Greek island is
how people of all experience levels become caught up in the moment
when the cares of their everyday lives are distant and they are free to
manipulate the clay to find how it speaks to them. They may choose to
participate on their own or as couples or even as family groups. Some
of my students have told me it is the best vacation they have ever had
because, not only are they creating their own art, they also have the
leisure time to swim in the Aegean, explore the island and revel in the
many shops and restaurants of Skopelos.

Prior to the workshop on Skopelos, I offer an optional Art/Travel
Prelude giving us the opportunity to travel to Greece together,
enjoying several days of immersion in Greek culture. This year, we will
spend the first three nights of our journey on Santorini, mythologized
as the lost isle of Atlantis, enjoying its exquisite architecture, views,
remarkable sunsets and abundant local wine and food. We shall also
visit Akrotiri, the archeological site and museum from the Minoan era.
‘The next two days will be spent in the romantic Plaka area of Athens,

visiting the Acropolis, museums, and dining alongside the Ancient
Agora, before we leave for Skopelos together.

Skopelos Foundation of the Arts is perched upon a hilltop overlooking
the scenic, car-free streets of the whitewashed town below. It was
founded by American artist Gloria Carr, who first visited Skopelos in
1996 and recognized it as an ideal place to locate an international art
studio. Within three years, Carr had set up an international board and
opened a residency program welcoming people from all over the world,
eager to learn and create in the stimulating atmosphere of Skopelos.
‘The island gained international attention after the 2008 Hollywood
movie Mamma Mia was filmed there. In fact, the lovers’ reunion scene
filmed on the dramatic ocean side cliff and church at Agios Ioannis is
what inspired me to seek Skopart as a location for “Mia Muse”.

Carr's daughter, Jill Somer, a former banker from Virginia, joined
her mother in 2000 for a visit, and then chose Skopelos as her home,

marrying an islander. Their daughter Zoe, now seven, is a charming

and fluently bilingual guide who enhances her family’s close ties to
island life. Upon arrival we are welcomed by these three generations of
Greek/American muses, followed by a traditional Greek feast, dancing
and music.

Skopart isa large, modern facility offering printmaking, photography,

~~ painting and ceramic workshops. My workshop participants and I

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— Potters Guild of BC Newsletter - April 2013 9