Susan Hacker
Mud Slinger
Bella Vista, Arizona

What type of clay do you use?
Porcelain

What temperature do you fire to?
cone 6

What is your primary forming method?
Throwing and handbuilding

What is your favorite surface treatment?
Underglazes

Do you make any of your own tools?
I make my own molds of various sizes for my jewelry.

What one word would you use to describe your work?
Colorful

What is your favorite thing about your studio?
I surround myself with things I love, such as family photos, paintings, artwork.

What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
Table

What are your top three studio wishes?
More natural light, space, and a comfortable chair

What’s on your current reading list?
Ceramics Monthly

How do you save money on materials and supplies?
I belong to a clay studio that is part of a nonprofit community gallery. We share space, tools.

How do you recharge creatively?
By camping , motorcycle riding , getting outside for hiking . Also getting on different websites.

Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
With a group such as mine, we share work duties and have meetings to discuss needs or changes monthly.

What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
Finding the time to accomplish my many ideas. Also trying to expand my network of fellowships.

What did your first piece look like?
It was a cylinder vase that I draped the rim to resemble petals.

What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
The ability to make my pieces dry and fire to perfection so I wouldn’t have to make five of everything.

Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
I have a whole studio of mentors who have taught me so many skills!!!

What is your studio playlist?
It changes with my mood daily, 70’s rock to Christmas oldies.

Why do you create art?
It’s very exciting. To be able to bring an idea or feeling to life and share it with others.

What is your best studio tip?
Having the studio temperature, humidity controlled. It makes working so much more pleasant. It’s the little things that lower stress levels.

If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
That water levels could be instantly changed.