Sue Mifsud was born in the English West Midlands but has lived in Malta since 1989.
“My affair with clay started in 1993 in the studios of Anna Ciavola when I enrolled in night classes and it has been an addiction since then. I set up my home studio in 2003 and attended Glasgow School of Art from 2005, studying Design, Ceramics part-time in their Design Department, graduating in 2011 with a First Class, BA (Hons) Degree. I’ve worked with many making techniques through the years including slip casting, mould making, jigger jolley, hand building, but throwing on the potter’s wheel remains the technique I use most often. My main body of work is wheel thrown functional ware with vibrant glazes and combinations which create detailed landscape surfaces. I’ve exhibited extensively in Malta and in England, Scotland, Italy and Cyprus and my work has made its way to owners in Australia, America, Canada, New Zealand and many European countries. In January 2015 I left my part time employment as Technical Manager of a heritage Pottery to become self-employed, devoting my time solely to making, designing and teaching as Sue Mifsud Ceramics”.
How did you get started?
In 1993 I started evening classes with Maltese Ceramic Artist, Anna Ciavola, who at that time had her studio in Zebbug.
Whose artist’s work are you most inspired by?
I admire the work of many artists; Barnaby Barford, Richard Slee and the late Simon Carrol are amongst them because of their humour, precision and spontaneity. I’ve also got a soft spot for Polly Morgan’s work with its tug between morbidity and beauty. But none of them inspire me to produce work. Inspiration for my work comes from people watching, news events and language.
Describe your work in less than 10 words.
Uniquely designed, individually created ceramic art work.
What genre do you consider your work to be?
Contemporary ceramics
Your favourite from among your own artworks?
The Beautiful Game, this was a conceptual sculpture created in 2012 using multiple making methods. People associate me with functional ware and I am currently putting many hours into this side of my work, but there is another dimension to my studio practise.
Where was your first exhibition held?
2002 Mdina, Canvas and Clay, a joint exhibition with a painter. I exhibited a collection of wall hangings with conceptual themes.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m always working on multiple projects, the most prominent feature at the moment is texture.
How long have you been working with clay?
Since 1993
Are you a morning person or do you come alive at night?
Morning, I’m like a spinning top, I have a burst of energy in the morning then slowly come to a stand still in the evening.
How many coffees a day? Don’t embellish.
Zero
Sundays can be very productive for some and very unproductive for others. How do you spend yours?
I try to save my Sundays for time with my husband so that we can do ‘together activities’ but on many occasions I need to finish off studio work so will go in extra early then be home by 9am for our day to start.
Wine and cheese. Yes or no?
Southern Comfort and crisps
If you were given a million euros, what would you indulge yourself with?
Rent fully equipped studio space in central London, work on experimental pieces and live the life until the money ran out (setting aside enough cash to buy a disturbing amount of chocolate). My fantasies are all so very dull and practical.
Favourite place to holiday?
Madrid for the galleries, museums, sangria, churros, vintage clothes and general vibe of the place and people
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