Susanne Pinkham

Susanne Pinkham grew up in South Carolina and attended Furman University where she majored in English and Theater. She moved to New Mexico in 1970. Her fascination with glass started after she took a stained glass class taught by friends with a glass studio. Time had a new dimension when working with glass. During these same years she attended UNM and completed a degree in Nursing. Susanne worked for many years in nursing while raising two sons with her husband in Taos.

Glass was always part of her life, but on a limited scale. In the 1980’s she took a glass fusing class, purchased a kiln, and started working more seriously with glass. In the mid 1990’s she began working full-time in her studio, pursuing her desire to be an artist. She participated in Art and Craft Fairs, completed residential commissions, and was represented in galleries nationwide. In the last few years she has changed directions in her approach to glass and art. She has taken classes at UNM-Taos in drawing and studied painting with Dennis Parker, a part-time Taos artist and teacher. Visits to delightful medieval windows in France and Italy have provided color and design inspiration.       Glassblowing classes at UNM-Taos led Susanne to torchworking glass. She makes beads, which she uses in larger compositions. She also uses her beads to make jewelry.       Glass offers many technical challenges and possibilities but she see the larger challenge being how to use glass (or any medium) to create visual excitement, convey an emotion, or take viewers out of the usual routine with an vibrant visual experience. ARTIST’S STATEMENT Glass is a vibrant, visually exciting material. I strive to create a moment that totally engages the viewer’s attention.