White Wolf at Brooklyn Waterfront


A hauntingly stark, beautiful lone White Wolf will be on exhibit at the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists’ Coalition from September 21 to October 20.  Sue Willis, who created White Wolf, teaches advanced sculpture and 3D design classes in the Fine Arts Department. The wolf is part of a series by the sculptor and painter that expresses her compassion for the natural world.  In addition to her involvement in the arts industry, Willis cares for wounded birds and cats gone astray.

“White Wolf” by Sue Willis

The exhibit includes both figurative and abstract works of regional artists working in ceramic clay. It was curated by Chief Curator for the Museum of Arts & Design David Revere McFadden.  

 “Although they struggle to survive as any creature would, wolves have been demonized and mythologized to the extent that any attempt at compromise on their behalf is met with extreme resistance.” – Sue Willis

The 20-inch Lone Wolf is unique in it’s scale as a hand-built porcelain object. “Constructing out of porcelain is like trying to sculpt from bread dough. It’s elastic and likes to slump,” says Willis.  “Porcelain can shrink from 20 to 30 percent. Lone Wolf was much larger before it was fired.”

“Harbinger” by Sue Willis

The owl or “Harbinger” is also part of Willis’ series on the natural world.

Willis’ creation was inspired by the acute decline in the country’s wolf population, which she says occurs even with wolves living in or near Yellowstone Park. “Their habitats have been developed as farmland, and with elk and deer being over-hunted, it leaves them little to eat aside from cattle.”

From Sue Willis’ Lover Series

The artist’s other works are often expressed in color. Her paintings in particular are often intensely chromatic.

The Art in Clay opening takes place September 21, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition, located at: 499 Van Brunt Street in  Brooklyn, (718) 596-2507. (Meet artist Sue Willis from 3 pm to 5 pm). For gallery hours go to BWAC.

To see more of Sue Willis’ work go to SueWillis.com

Photos by Rodolfo Martinez


26 responses to “White Wolf at Brooklyn Waterfront”

  1. I had the opportunity to see these pieces as they were being formed and it was a moving experience. Sue Willis takes such care in the conception and form.
    Viewing the pieces you can really feel the soul of the animals.

  2. Willis’ depiction of wildlife are not only aesthetically pleasing, but allows me to appreciate the plight off the species more acutely and intimately. What a pleasure to be able to see her “White Wolf” in such a beautiful gallery space as the BWAC.

  3. In observing Sue’s piece, I really feel part of the artwork. Her careful attention to detail–especially in her wildlife pieces–puts the view “with the animal.” In the case of the piece “White Wolf” I am especially able to pick up on the emotion of the animal. Again, this is just another reason why Sue’s attention to detail is so crucial in her work.

  4. Sue Willis’s work captures an animal’s soul with a gentle sensitivity that invites the viewer into her world. I look forward to seeing White Wolf in person, and marvel that she can create this beautiful creature in ceramic. I’ve known Sue’s work for many years, and she has an uncanny ability to make three dimensional creatures and objects direct from her imagination. She is a great friend to animals, and honors them with her sculpture.

  5. I have been fortunate enough to see Sue Willis’ work in person and it is an incredibly moving and powerful experience being around her artwork. her love for animals can be felt as you view each one of her magnificent pieces of work, and each animal created seems to have a special heart of its own. i’m looking forward to attending the show at the BWAC!

  6. Sue Willis’ practice is intimate and soulful. Her passion for the medium is unparalleled, and every piece is beautifully crafted without a detail neglected. I am always deeply affected by the emotional power resonating from the wildlife she depicts, and the story being conveyed. Seeing her skill in person is an opportunity not to be missed, and I’m looking forward to enjoying it at BWAC!

  7. Sue has tremendous talent. Her work is poetic and heartfelt, and I’m looking forward to seeing this exhibition at the BWAC.

  8. I have a great fortune of knowing Sue Willis, as well as her work for many years. Her dedication to preserving wild life, and nature always speaks though her work in amazingly serene, alluring, and thought provoking ways, but this wolf is absolutely a masterpiece!

  9. WOW! This is fabulous work! The writer of the description uses the term “hauntingly stark”. This description definitely applies. Absolutely soulful and beautiful.

  10. This piece really moved me, I was awestruck at first sight. The detail is incredible and the impression that the wolf leaves inside me is one of relaxed alertness. It touches the Budda within.
    Bravo Sue,Bravo!

  11. 9-22-13 I was truly inwardly emotional when I saw Willis’ pieces. My love for animals brings out great emotions on my part and, needless to say, her art blew my mind–or at least what’s left of it.

  12. I truly enjoy looking at this art. Whether it be her skillful ability to give this piece texture, or her sense of perception, it allows the viewer to look at this piece and evoke the thought of being misunderstood; this art is truly memorable.

  13. I am astounded by the beauty and charm of Sue’s many art works and proud to be part of her extended family.

  14. I have known and been very drawn to Willis’ work for some time. It is a privilege to listen to her speak about a piece as it is evolving and, later, see the completed work. To view Willis’ work is to know her–a compassionate, caring and extremely skilled artist.

  15. The white wolf is truly beautiful–it is so evocative of natural beauty, pain, suffering and yes strength. So well done.

  16. What a wonderful tribute to this magnificent creature. Sue brings her artistry to life with beauty and sensitivity. She is a huge talent at the top of her game

  17. Beautiful and full of soul the White Wolf wordlessly speaks to us. A handsome moving piece.
    Sue Willis clearly has a special relationship with animals.

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