Susan Shantz Explained

Susan Shantz
Birth Date:1957
Birth Place:Ontario, Canada
Education:Goshen College, Wilfrid Laurier University, York University

Susan Shantz, (born 1957) is a Canadian sculptor. Her work is often described as spiritual and feminist. She currently resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.[1]

Shantz has worked with a variety of sculptural media, including twigs, ash, found objects, tomato paste, and 3D printed thermoplastic prints. Photographs of her selected works are available at the CCCA Canadian Art Database.

Themes in her work include dormancy,[2] consumption,[3] patterns of nature[4] and translation.[5]

Early life and education

Shantz has an undergraduate degree in English from Goshen College, a Master of Arts degree in Religion and Culture from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Master of Arts degree in Sculpture and Interdisciplinary Studies from York University.

Career

Shantz taught at both York University and Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario and held a number of solo exhibits. She moved to Saskatoon in 1990 to work at the University of Saskatchewan, where she continued to exhibit. In 1996 she took part in an outdoor sculpture project at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery.[6]

Shantz is a Professor in Sculpture and Extended Media at the University of Saskatchewan and she was the Department Head of Art and Art History from 2007-2013.[7]

Shantz has received grants from the Canada Council, the Saskatchewan Arts Board, the British Columbia Arts Council and the Ontario Arts Council.

She has also written on the topics of spirituality in art and quilt-making.[8]

Artistic Innovation

Shantz's commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression is evident in her innovative techniques and exploration of diverse mediums. she consistently challenged conventional norms, inspiring future generations of artists to think outside traditional artistic constraints.

Educational Contribution

In addition to her artistic achievements, Shantz made notable contributions to the field of art education. She shared her expertise and passion with aspiring artists, leaving an indelible mark on the next generation. Many of her students have gone on to make significant contributions to the art world themselves.

Exhibition & Recognition

Shantz's legacy is further solidified by her extensive exhibition history and the recognition she received during her career. Her works have been showcased in prominent galleries and museums, contributing to the broader discourse on contemporary art. Awards and honors bestowed upon Shantz underscore the impact of her artistic contributions and the esteem in which she is held by peers and critics alike.

Artworks

Polytypes

Remediation

Third Space

Hibernaculum (1994)

Satiate (1998)

Untitled (Canapoy Room, 2006-2007)

Further reading

The ARTSask webpage on Susan Shantz includes videos on her artistic process.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Susan Shantz . https://web.archive.org/web/20190729164635/http://www.artsask.ca/en/artists/susanshantz . 29 July 2019 . ARTSask . 5 March 2016.
  2. Book: Susan Shantz: hibernaculum . 1995 . Mendel Art Gallery . Saskatoon . 1-896359-01-9.
  3. Book: Susan Shantz . 1998 . MacKenzie Art Gallery . Regina . 1-896470-14-9.
  4. Book: Lippard . Lucy R. . Baert . Renee . Satiate Susan Shantz . 1998 . Southern Alberta Art Gallery . Lethbridge, Alta. . 0-921613-89-X.
  5. Book: Vargo . Lisa . Susan Shantz: creatures in transition . 2013 . Kenderdine Art Gallery . Saskatoon, Saskatchewan . 978-0-88880-586-7 . 7.
  6. https://newspaperarchive.com/lethbridge-herald-jul-17-1996-p-18/ "Five artists combine talents on project"
  7. Web site: Susan Shantz Profile . College of Arts and Science . University of Saskatchewan . 5 March 2016.
  8. Web site: Shantz . Susan . Curriculum Vitae . CCCA Canadian Art Database . CCCA . 5 March 2016.