We had the good fortune of connecting with Susan McKinney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susan, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m most inspired by things I cannot see. Air, gravity, energy, wavelengths, etc. I find the more I am curious about the invisible world around us, the more I can create truly unique objects in my efforts to bring its existence into physical form.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am, and have always been, obsessed with color, materials and exploring. Today, my ceramic and glass work is known for its expressive, organic forms, uniquely woven style, and boundary pushing experimentation.  My work seeks to connect people to their own sense of wonder through objects that go beyond our everyday experience.

My background is in industrial design, and after over a decade designing products to be mass produced (often times the millions), I formed my line SKINNY in 2017 to counter the fast paced nature of the Bay Area by creating slowly. Each piece is made by a process built off of structure and serendipity, ensuring each work has a unique character, evidence of process and soul of the maker.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of the reasons I moved to North Bay is the immense natural beauty, so I would probably start there – at my house with a cup of coffee by the pool overlooking the rolling hills nestled around our neighborhood in Terra Linda. Point Reyes and Marshall store would be next for oysters, and definitely a beach day at Limantour Beach. In SF, a few favorites restaurants are Zuni, Blue Plate and Tartine (morning bun!) with a trip to Abacus Row for shopping and inspiration! Christine is always so welcoming in her shop and has the most unique, thoughtful jewelry around.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m going to dedicate my shoutout to Eva Zeisel. Though she is no longer alive, her life story is such an inspiration to me, and the reason I started taking ceramics classes. Her sense of form, constant search for beauty, and love of her craft over so many decades gives me hope that I may have the same. Also, shoutout to Save Sight Now, a parent led non profit organization on a mission to cure childhood blindness. https://www.savesightnow.org/

Website: www.skinnyceramics.com

Instagram: @skinnyceramics

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-mckinney-8987468/

Image Credits
Photography by Mark Serr Art Direction by Susan McKinney

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