ABOUT THE RESIDENCY at OREGON COAST SCHOOL OF ART
Susannah Israel was the first short-term Artist in Residence at OCSA*, in April 2023. Residents each work and live in a 900 sq. foot space in the former W. F. Jewett Middle School** by the beautiful Umpqua River.
* https://oregoncoastschoolofart.org/residencies/
** https://thesiuslawnews.com/article/ocsa-takes-art-to-the-old-school
As a sculptor living in Oakland's postindustrial corridor, Israel looked forward to exploring the Umqua river area. Her sculptural work often deals with the meaning of place (Personal Landscapes, Tidal Estuary). The name Umpqua, in the original Takelma language, can mean "dancing water" or "bring across the river," which played a part in the work she created.
AT THE RESIDENCY
I arrived at Oregon Coast School of Art after a spectacular drive through snowy mountain passes, hail, icy roads and rain. The drive inspired new ideas, as did working in my enormous, second floor workspace with its ever-changing river and mountain views. I began with a set of heads with tree crowns derived from the fir, spruce, pine, hemlock and cedar trees in the coastal region.
I have always admired Free Ceramics, run by Matt and Emily Free Wilson in one of the studios in the School, which they also cofounded. It has been a natural choice to use the same clay and glazes, challenging myself with new materials. During the residency, I'll be working with a new palette of black, green, blue and orange on a white surface. Below are some images from my first week.
WEEK 2 AT THE RESIDENCY
Color application finished, first six Tree Crown heads drying for the kiln. Fir, Pine, Spruce, Hemlock. Pine, Fir. I did a throwing demonstration for the Tuesday night adult class which is a wonderful group, and will be teaching the high school class on Wednesday afternoon. I am also working all month on a large sited piece, "UMPQUA RIVER, which will remain permanently at the School, an honor and a pleasure.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/995648542178913
Above Right: Color application in progress on the two groups of Tree Crowns. The first three, in back, are already painted and ready for the kiln firing.
Below: Video still, from artist talk and studio visit with local artists, and six finished heads displayed on the table. Courtesy of Sean Sisson of Last American Media
Watch the video of the first day:
https://www.facebook.com/oregoncoastschoolofart/videos/992151422194582
Watch the video of the second day:
https://www.facebook.com/oregoncoastschoolofart/videos/236798582338586/
UMPQUA RIVER: a site-specific sculpture
The Tree Crowns are also research for my concept for a site-specific sculpture. The sculpture is a full sized landscape figure about the ancient Umpqua River. Instead of a specific tree, the seated figure’s head has a stand of trees as if seen from a distance. The surface is a blend of blue, green, black and white applied in many layers.
Umpqua River" is permanently sited at Oregon Coast School of Art; it was installed at the end of April, requiring very tight timing for the construction, finishing and firing and placement. https://publicartarchive.org/art/Umpqua-River/1ec37d00
See images below to follow the stages of the sculpting process.
%20_Umpqua_River%20(2)_edited.jpg)
Other works created during the residency
RHODODENDRON, work in progress
