Sunya Webber is an artist who found asupportive community and a sympathetic material when she discovered The Clay Studio. The work she produced as an active member of The Clay Studio Associate Artist Program is evidence of her deep understanding of color, form, and artistic energy. This exhibition is a celebration of Ms. Webber’s artistic output and the acceptance she found within The Clay Studio community.
A Reflection on Sunya Webber and Her Art by Jimmy Clark
"I always considered Sunya Webber to be an extraordinary person, she possessed an outward aura of calm and warmth that ingratiated her to me and many others. She was also my prime “go to” host for out of town and particularly international artists. She thrived in the role and in turn her guests always felt at ease. She maintained ongoing friendships with several of them.
Nevertheless, it was in the past two years after making the acquaintance of her son and daughter, Stephen and Suzanne, that I came to realize just how exceptional her story was, and the integral role The Clay Studio played in it.
One could almost say that Sunya healed herself by working with clay. She began working with it while still a patient combating disabling depression at the Pennsylvania Institute. There she was introduced to clay by art therapist, Donna Baker, who also took Sunya to First Friday in Old City and The Clay Studio. After transitioning to independent living she began coming to the Clay Studio in earnest and working in clay became much more than an a vocation for her, it became her way of life.
Sunya possessed an enthusiasm for ceramics beyond any other I have ever experienced. She participated in almost every workshop offered at The Clay Studio absorbing information like a sponge. Looking through her extensive accumulated works at times took a nostalgic turn. One group of pots were clearly made during the workshop with the Native American Lewis family from Acoma NM, others part of the saggar-fire workshop, some pieces give evidence of long-standing teachers such as Joe Brenman in sculpture.
Despite these eclectic explorations, Sonya developed a style uniquely her own. She mastered basic ceramic techniques particularly throwing on the wheel. She employed a wide palette of glazes and surface treatments and she clearly was expert of the raku firing method.
Far more important than any of her skills, was the deeply personal statements Sunya expressed through her pieces. Her works offer a glimpse into her psyche, they reflect her struggles with her personal demons as well as her stoicism combating them. Several convey the sense of resolution and inner peace, that she ultimately achieved in her journey with clay.
Sunya was a special person. In her quiet way she became a long-lasting and integral member of the Clay Studio community. She is a wonderful example of the healing potential of art, in particular, clay art. She touched many people’s lives and left them the better for it."
