Meet Brenda Sullivan: Potter, Storyteller, Creator
Brenda Sullivan is a seasoned studio potter whose passion for storytelling comes to life through her work. From her cozy studio gallery, Dragon Clay Creations, Brenda crafts ceramics that blend mythology, nature, and a touch of whimsy.
With roots in Newfoundland and a career spanning decades, Brenda draws inspiration from the vibrant colors of Jelly Bean Row houses, the curves of Art Nouveau, and the timeless appeal of dragons and mythical creatures.
FROM EARTH TO ART
Brenda Anne Sullivan
Brenda’s career in ceramics started with a functional production line produced in her first studio gallery in Pointe Claire, Que. There she supplied individual collections, gift shops & corporate commissions; from The Bay in Montreal, to the McMichael gallery in Kleinberg. Brenda has participated in numerous juried shows in Canada, US and Britain is now represented by six galleries in Eastern Ontario including her own studio gallery Dragon Clay in Port Hope.
Her work has been featured in newspapers and magazines and is often featured on posters for art shows including the One of a Kind in Toronto and Signatures in Ottawa. In 2010 her “Mad Hatter” teapot was accepted into the Kamm Teapot Foundation in the US.
She received her formal education in pottery with Rosalie Namer at MacDonald College in Montreal 1969-71, and continued with numerous workshops, conferences and courses. 2010 saw her acceptance into the artists’ residency at Medalta in Medicine Hat.
The Art of Dragon Clay Creations
Brenda’s creations are based on natural elements that pre-date recorded history. Dragons, Mythology, and a touch of Art Nouveau are found in a variety of pieces that Brenda creates. She has both feet firmly planted in the ceramics world, one in funk-tional, the other in sculpture.
Her 10 year-old frog series was developed in preparation for talks on “ inspirations” to local potters guilds. She spoke of her love of Art Nouveau, all creatures great and small, a quirky sense of humour and her love of theatre.
Brenda continues to expand her pieces, testing new forms and ideas. She will continue to grow her new series “Jelly Bean Row Pots” based on the colourful houses from her Newfoundland origins. Nature inspired sculptures are always on the horizon of possibilities.
Career Highlights:
Began her ceramics journey in Pointe Claire, Quebec, creating functional pottery for galleries and gift shops.
Represented by six galleries in Eastern Ontario, including her own studio in Port Hope.
Featured in prestigious art shows like One of a Kind Toronto and Signatures Ottawa.
Accepted into the Kamm Teapot Foundation with her whimsical “Mad Hatter” teapot.
Completed a residency at Medalta in Medicine Hat in 2010.
Inspirations and Philosophy:
Brenda’s work connects deeply with nature, mythology, and the essence of her heritage itself. By incorporating sculpted, carved, or drawn elements into her pottery, Brenda tells stories that resonate with both the past and the present. Her quirky frog series and vibrant Jelly Bean Row Pots reflect her playful creativity, while her sculptures evoke the need to protect and celebrate our natural world.
Brenda’s work is based on natural elements that pre-date recorded history. Dragons, Mythology, and a touch of Art Nouveau can be found in many pieces that Brenda creates. Images from nature are stamped, carved, or drawn onto her work. Pieces often take on the shape of animals with colours ranging from vivid primary to earth tones, complementing the story that they tell.
Brenda continues to expand her repertoire; testing new forms and ideas and has embarked on investigating aspects of sculpture that help create awareness of the protection of our beautiful world. By doing, so we ensure man’s future
BRENDA SULLIVAN
CERAMIC ARTIST
CV
Education
2018 Archie Bray Centre, Helena, Montana – Sculpture with Tip Toland and Beth Cavener
2015 Mentorship program with Angelo diPeta
2010 Medalta, Medicine Hat, AB artist in residence program
1990- current Numerous workshops and conferences with well-known Ceramic Artists
1983 Ontario Collage of Art – Ceramics Dept. , Mold making
1972 Pierre Legault, Quebec – Glaze Technology
1968-71 Macdonald College, Ceramics Dept. With Rosalie Namer, Montreal, Quebec
1955-65 Formal education – St. John's NF and Montreal, Quebec
Teaching
2004 - Dragon Clay, my studio in Port Hope, A Gift of Art in Newcastle, CAC in Bowmanville
1987-88 Koffler Gallery, Ceramics for Teens and Adults
1978-79 Adult Education – Potter at Montreal West Island School Commission
Earthly Goods & Dragon Clay
2002- Moved and changed name of studio to Dragon Clay Productions in Port Hope, ON
1996-99 Relocated workshop to loft at 361 Oakwood Ave, Toronto
1986 Organize and co-worked the co-op “The Other Group of Seven” Canada's Wonderland
1983-87 Relocated Earthly Goods Studio and Boutique to Schomberg, ON
1972-1982 Opened Earthly Goods Studio and Boutique in Pointe Claire, Quebec
Exhibitions
2024 Fusion show at the Gardiner Museum
2021-2024 Port Hope Art Festival
2016 Three Degrees of Separation – Colbourne Art Gallery
(Featured in the Fall Fusion magazine)
2015 The Other Group of 7 – organized are participated in exhibit of works from mentorship
program with Angelo diPeta
2014 The Lindsay Art Gallery – exhibition and talk “All About Tea”
2013 Three from the East – Women's Art Association of Canada and A Gift of Art
2011 Spirit of the Hills Annual Juried Show, Warkworth (Best in Show – Sculpture)
2010 The Wood Fired Show – Medalta (organizer and participant)
2008 The Ontario Legislature – Toronto, ON One Woman Show
2007 The Art of Tea - Fawn Ceramics and Gallery, Distill District, Toronto, ON
The distill Cup – The Distill Gallery, Toronto , ON
Where I Fell in Love Gallery – London, England
2005 The Artful Teapot Exhibition – Gardiner Museum
1990 Group Show – Toronto Potters – Gardiner Museum
Two woman show – North York Arts Council
1988 One woman show “Voices” - Women's University Club
Group show of 4 Ha'Ku Gallery, St. Catherines,ON
Group Show Toronto Potters, Ontario Crafts Council
Brenda Sullivan CV ...2
Juried Shows and Sales
Participated in numerous show and sales from 1975 to current date
Art Naturally (Scarborough), Fusion The Ontario Clay and Glass Show, Cobourg Waterfront Festival,
Spirit of the Hills (Northumberland), Toronto Potters, Northumberland Potters, Durham Potters, *Signatures (Ottawa), *One of a Kind (Toronto), Fanfayre (Kingston), Kawartha Annual Art Show Kawartha Potters and Pine Hills Potters ( * featured artist for promotions) Numerous print, radio, TV
Kawartha Arts Festival, Port Hope Art Festival, Kingston Artfest. Northumberland Hills Studio Tour
Commissions
2024-5 Citizen of the Year Award, Port Hope, ON
2023 Citizen of the Year Award, Port Hope, ON
Ruth Clarke Commemorative triptych, Port Hope.
2014-15 Patron's Gift – Mayor's Gala , A Gift of Art
1996 “Tails” Volunteers' gift, Sick Kids Hospital
1988 Patron's Gift – Opening of the ROM's Treasures of the Holy Land Exhibition
1987 Patron's Gift – Koffler Gallery Gala for David Blackwood's Exhibitions
Awards
2014 Best Functional – Northumberland Potters
2013 Best Booth – Northumberland Potters
2010 Best 3D/Mixed Media in Show – Spirit of the Hills
Kawartha Potters Juried Show – Northumberland Gallery – Honorable Mention
Scarborough Art Council 21st Annual Juried Art Show – Honorable Mention
2005 Juror's Choice Award - Kawartha Potters Christmas Show
1985 Best Place Setting – Pine Hill Potters
1984 Best Wheel Thrown in Show – Pine Hill Potters
Best Porcelain in Show – Toronto Potters
Collections
2024 Canadian Clay and Glass
2010 The Kamm Teapot Foundation
1978 The Vatican – Papal Blessing
Boards
2023-24 Originator of “Simply Ceramics” Port Hope
2015-17 22-23 Chair, Northumberland Hills Studio Tour
2018-23 Board member – Northumberland Art Gallery, Port Hope
Charities
2012-2025 Organized collection(and produced 400 bowls to date) for “The Help
and Legal Centre of Northumberland: “Empty Bowls”
Galleries
A Gift of Art, Northumberland Arts Gallery,
John Parrott Gallery Belleville, Northumberland Art Gallery, Quinn's of Tweed
Professional Actor, Singer, SongWriter/Director, Puppeteer