Born in New York, Susannah Israel has a gritty yet passionate view of humanity, drawn from city life. Humor, love and struggle are always part of the message. Israel’s expressive work is wildly exhibited, appearing in catalogs and collections around the world. Career distinctions include the Fletcher Challenge Premier Award, a Virginia Groot Foundation Award, an MFA in Ceramics from SF State University, residencies at the Archi Bray, Mission Clay and the Doelger Art Center, and writing on contemporary clay artists. Isreal has given many workshops, and worked in factory sites in California and Kansas, sculpting massive industrial clay pipe. At home in Oakland, she works in her studio at Vulcan and teaches college courses in art.