Potter and writer Faro Annie Sullivan has been working with clay for over a decade. For many years she worked part-time in co-operative studios in Victoria BC. With a sense of adventure and plenty of enthusiasm she opened her studio & gallery Dirty Girl Clayworks in 2004.
Her current work is mainly functional slipware decorated with text and animals. Her work is informed by historical slipware, with contemporary twists. She uses bright, fun colours which reflect her belief that playfulness is an integral part of life. An optimist at heart, Faro tries to imbue each piece with a positive attitude. The text often reflects her state of mind. It can be fun, contemplative, opinionated, silly, and sometimes a little risqué.
Each winter Faro takes time from studio production to experiment with new techniques and create non-functional pieces based on personal narrative. Presently, these works are inspired by graphic novels, family photos, poetry, and politics. She hopes to soon find a better balance between production work and art pieces.
Faro is excited to be involved with arts education. This year she is a visiting artist in a local high school through a program run by the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. She also does workshops with elementary school students around Victoria.
Each day Faro walks through the woods to the studio and feels blessed to be getting dirty doing what she loves.