Artist's Statement
Susan DeMay produces functional and decorative stoneware pottery and other artistic forms, such as wall works, sculptural vases, and tile projects. She maintains a studio, Made by deMay, in Smithville, Tennessee with the help a number of assistants. Her work includes a production line of tabletop wares as well as a series of art pieces. All clay work uses colorful glazes with a variety of surfaces, put together to create rich, expressive palettes and distinctive designs. Each series has evolved from many years of working with electric kilns fired to cone six.
Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour 2022
The studio tour in Dekalb and Cannon counties came back after the
pandemic – it came back in style and in full force! This year’s event was
my best ever. A steady stream of new and old visitors meant that there
was never a dull moment. At times the studio was teaming with people
in every corner. While bargains were had by many, unique and special
pieces were carried off by long-term fans and new buyers.
Both my guest artist and I had a great time talking to people about our
work. Some guests came all the way from Nashville just to come to our
stop and to support our event. And both Donna Rizzo and I were
pleased with our sales.
I set aside an area of work for one of my favorite charities: The Dekalb
Animal Shelter. I donated 40% of the sales in the section for this
service to animals, and was able to raise $250 for the shelter for their
supplies. When I delivered the check they said they needed cat and
kitten food. They must have bought out Walmart’s inventory because
when I went to get catfood for my feral cat, there was no catfood on
the shelves in the pet department!
The works in this section were classroom demonstration works,
experiments, seconds and older works. I am so happy that I could give
back with these unusual and unique works. I may provide a similar
section next year, though I won’t have classroom demonstration works
anymore since this last spring I finally retired form my many years of
college teaching.
I was pleased to show off my studio renovations at the tour: a lot of
new shelving, nice white-painted display areas with added lighting. I
have additional renovations planned. Come and see my great studio!
The Jim Crane Art Alumni Award was created in memory of Jim Crane, a beloved Art professor at Eckerd College. It recognizes an alumna/us who has demonstrated significant achievements as an artist, leadership in visual arts education, and contributions to the creative arts.
Visit the Leaf Gallery
The best artist in Middle Tennessee open their studios to the public with demonstrations, guest artist, while offering you some of their best work...
