Art to Heart: Susan Gordon of Susan Gordon Pottery

Every once in awhile, I come across someone on social media who I am drawn to right away as a “kindred spirit.” When Susan Gordon and I connected last fall after she took a Zoom watercolor class with me, that is exactly what happened! Beyond sharing many common interests ( a love for fellow artist Holly Hollon, who did both of our branding, a belief that florals are for every season, an appreciation for the color brown and a good audiobook…), when we first spoke on the phone, I felt like I was chatting with an old friend. I immediately fell in love with her hand-painted pottery- so much so, in fact, that the first thing I purchased for my daughter’s nursery was one of her framed intaglios.

When Susan asked if I wanted to collaborate on a collection based off of our shared love of “The Nutcracker,” I jumped at the chance to work with her and her team. To help celebrate the launch of our collaboration, we asked Susan a few questions about how she got started, what inspires her, and her favorite holiday traditions.

Photography: Graciela Blevins, Styling: Sara Clark

What is your elevator pitch for Susan Gordon Pottery (SGP)?
My team and I strive to create handmade products with excellence, and it is our joy and at the heart of our core values at Susan Gordon Pottery to create beauty and elevate everyday living. The designs we create are ever-evolving with classic taste at the center of our aesthetic. In 2019, the first Susan Gordon storefront opened in Birmingham, AL, including both a retail storefront and studio space for my team and I to continue practicing our craft.
How did you decide to start SGP?
Susan Gordon Pottery was officially started in my tiny, unfinished and unconditioned basement in October of 2013. At the time, my dank, dark basement was my little slice of studio heaven. I started out making everything myself, by myself, but I quickly realized that to create alone forever was not the dream. The camaraderie of working with a team of like-minded individuals was really appealing to me. Over the past eight years, SGP has grown to over twenty amazing humans.
I took my first (and possibly my last!) pottery class in March - it was so much harder and more physical than I expected! Tell us about your first time throwing pottery on a wheel and your first piece.
For years, I taught adults and children how to throw on the wheel. It is TOUGH. Some people catch on pretty quickly, and some never figure it out. It took me roughly six weeks of classes my sophomore year to make my first finished piece, which was a dumpy little lidded white and sage green jar that I spent way too much time hand-carving a leafy pattern onto. I accidentally fired it with the lid on and it is now fused to the jar permanently. So, in short, it did not start off too well!
What is your favorite piece of pottery that you’ve ever created? What is a favorite piece you currently sell?
Oh that is TOUGH! I probably feel most proud of the poppy design. The idea for it quite literally popped in my head but I had to figure out how to bring it to life. You wouldn’t think so, since making and glazing pottery is what we do every day; but it took months, countless brainstorming sessions with my glazing team, and dozens of experiments to execute the exact version of my original idea. I am proud of my team for sticking with me and proud of myself for not settling for a design that I wasn’t really, really happy with.
And...I really love the diamond Meredith cross necklace. I never take it off. Creating jewelry has been a part of SGP since its inception. A few years ago, I started working on a diamond and solid 14k gold version of our best-selling Meredith cross necklace. My goal was to create a timeless, meaningful, fine jewelry piece that could be worn every single day.

5. I love the inspiration round-ups you post sometimes in Instagram stories- I’ve told you this before, but I feel like we are “kindred spirits” in that we have so many overlapping interests! What is your favorite part of owning a small business?

And I have said this before, too...I have admired your designs for years and the fact that you consider me a kindred spirit could not be a bigger compliment. We are, though, truly - the first time we talked on the phone, I remember there were countless “omg, me too”s!

I think the community aspect is the part that fulfills me the most; with my team and with other local businesses. As an employer and business owner, I am faced with constant challenges every day. Learning to be tough enough to push through the hard times but still holding on to that deeply human sense of empathy, of compassion - that is the difficult balance.

6. We are thrilled to be doing our first holiday collection in collaboration with you! What is a holiday tradition you share with your family?

This is our first holiday collaboration, too! I am extremely sentimental and love traditions. Every year, I buy my children a keepsake ornament that represents their life that year. A few years ago, I bought Maison (my daughter) a ballerina swan to remember her first year in ballet. My son, who is all about trucks, received a vintage ford pickup truck ornament. The best part, after a cup of hot chocolate and Christmas cookies, is unpacking the Christmas ornaments each year and recalling their significance as we hang them on the tree.

7. What about the collaboration are you most excited about?

This collaboration was truly a dream come true moment for me. I have loved your work for years and to have the privilege of working with you over the past year has been such a gift. You and Catherine are incredibly easy to work with and my team and I have thoroughly enjoyed your kindness, humility, and incredible work ethic.

Closing Words

A traditional design and a new trend you love.

I am just loving all things scalloped recently! It feels fresh and new and timeless all at the same time. As a lover of detail and luxury, the trend towards the opulent is really sparking joy and inspiration for me.

Favorite item in your home or closet.

My kiddo’s art, hands down. I know I am a bit biased, but I am convinced they are going to be brilliant creators one day.

Can’t entertain without…

WAVY BOWLS, of course!

Go-to hostess gift.

Our Alene bowl paired with my favorite local olive oil.

What’s in your RS X SGP holiday mug?

Coffee, all day, every day.