Susan Mattson

The process of my pit firings is new to me. Through experimenting with different methods  and temperatures I have discovered what will create my desired outcome. Although my method is far removed from the traditional methods of pit firing, I am still transported back to revere the methods of our ancestors. I can imagine a time when the creation of a pot was in enormously valuable to society. It allowed people to carry and store water, food, and other things. It was a great advancement in technology.

As I am pit firing I also like to image a time when the process of firing was something ritualistic. For clay after it is fired has a certain permanency, giving it almost an immortal quality. Seeing my pots come out of the firing is always an exciting moment for me.

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About Susan Mattson

Susan was born in San Francisco and raised in Bozeman, MT. She received an art degree from Alfred University whereafter she spent the next 16 years in Butte. She now lives in Helena, MT working in the mental health field and making ceramic art.

Artist Statement

The process of my pit firings is new to me. Through experimenting with different methods  and temperatures I have discovered what will create my desired outcome. Although my method is far removed from the traditional methods of pit firing, I am still transported back to revere the methods of our ancestors. I can imagine a time when the creation of a pot was in enormously valuable to society. It allowed people to carry and store water, food, and other things. It was a great advancement in technology.

As I am pit firing I also like to image a time when the process of firing was something ritualistic. For clay after it is fired has a certain permanency, giving it almost an immortal quality. Seeing my pots come out of the firing is always an exciting moment for me.

Susan Mattson is represented in Helena by 1+1=1 Gallery at 434 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, Montana. Please call 406.431.9931 or email [email protected] for inquiries. 1plus1is1.com