Artist Profile: Sue Burkhart Chisholm

Meet Sue Burkhart Chisholm

Burk'art Clay

By Samantha Canuel

Sue Burkhart Chisholm has been creating unique nativities in north Georgia for over twenty years. After a life of traveling, Chisholm and her husband currently reside in north Georgia. This exceptional artist had much to say about her journey through clayworks, tradition, and storytelling.

The Clay Became My Path
When asked about when she knew she was meant to be an artist, Chisholm began by remembering the beauty of sumi-e painting. As part of an Air Force family stationed in Taiwan, Chisholm still remembers the elegance of those gentle brushstrokes. She recalls this artistry as purely magical.

In her college years, Chisholm explored her fascination of the arts by studying clay, silversmithing and weaving, eventually following the muddled, pliable path of a potter.

Inspiration Became Simple
While residing in Taos, New Mexico, a friend asked why Chisholm hadnt created nativity sets before. Although she was still settling into the south, Chisholm knew that the market was perfect for the traditional dcor. Thats when the inspiration became simple; I began to make my family part of my art, Chisholm said.

Each of Chisholms recent projects connects with generations of her family in a very special way. Each piece of the collection includes family heirlooms and other treasures that allow me to create the textures in the clay figurines for our nativities, Chisholm explained. Its a way for me to carry on my familys traditions.

Chisholm added that she took some creative license with some aspects of the nativities she designs. I grew up on my grandparents farm, and the animals on the farm are the recent creatures added.

Community as a Conduit
The arts frame the persona of the community; history has long told us that, Chisholm stated. She explained that community is the conduit for the art, artist, and patron to connect. Her electric passion was evident as she continued by saying, Its the spark of imagination between the artist and the individual sharing the art form to cross paths, usually taking place in that setting.

When asked about how she chooses to connect with the community, she said, The hardest part of being in a community is being an artist. She explained the balance that an artist must go through; its about more than just the art, but sometimes, its hard to get out of that mindset.

Exciting the Next Generation
When asked about her advice for budding artists, Chisholms answer was simple: Success is about the business of the arts. She said that all young artists and entrepreneurs should understand that it is hard work, which can include working seventy or eighty hours a week. Its also a good idea to have two years of working capital along with a solid business model, and a strong sense of craftsmanship. And dont forget to pay yourself! Many artists forget that you earn a salary, too, she said.

To learn more about Sue and her clay works, visit BurkartClay.com/.