Featured Instructor - Phillip Supersad
Phillip Supersad was recognized in 2007 for Distinguished Service in the field of Art (Ceramics), earning him a Silver Musgrave Medal.
He is described as a “sculptor who loves the wheel”. This is because he prefers to use a wheel rather than making a slab pot (a pot that is created without a wheel) and yet he rarely makes a plain pot and very often uses sculptural motifs on his works
Supersad could always be seen experimenting with clay at an early age in his hometown in Manchester. However, his interest was in graphic art and not ceramics, until the world of pottery was opened to him and he came under the influence of stalwarts in his field like former Gold Musgrave Awardee, Cecil Baugh.
Supersad’s commitment to his art was obvious from his early years at the Jamaica School of Art; he almost lived at the school.
He is also known for his meticulousness: he is a master of detail who also makes jewelry and often uses gold luster to enhance the pieces.
His subject matter ranges from the non representational to sculpture that depicts strengths in women, in particular, and emphasizes the male-female relationship. His work is informed by many different cultures: “There is a feeling of Africa, India and Europe in my work,” says Supersad, “We model what is closest to us.”
Supersad is well known for his use of the Japanese
Raku firing technique (derived from the word meaning ‘enjoyment’). In this system of firing the pot is taken from the red hot kiln and then
placed outside in a galvanized pan which is covered with straw, wood shavings and newspapers and left to finish firing.
Supersad operates a small pottery studio, named Supersad Studios, in the inner-city community of Fletcher’s Land in Downtown Kingston. His commitment to educating the Youth in this artform is widely known and respected. In addition to having a wealth of experience, significant honours, scholarships and appointments he is also a lecturer at the Edna Manley School of Visual and Performing Arts, for almost 30 years. He is also a judge for the JCDC Annual Fine Arts Exhibition.
He also has a deep love of drumming and has created his own line of ceramic drums. He
is the lead drummer and a director of the Akwaaba Drummers. With a helpful and generous personality, and a profound commitment to educating the next generation, Supersad credits his wife and business partner Arlene as being his source of support and
sound advice.
