Born and raised in Red Lodge, Montana, Sue Tirrell discovered ceramics as a college freshman. She has an AA from Cottey College in Nevada, MO, and a BFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Her work draws inspiration from her experiences living in Montana and the West, her fascination with animals and interest in folk art, antiques, western art and culture. Tirrell’s work has been exhibited widely in the US, Canada and Australia, and she has taught ceramics and multi-media workshops across the US in college classrooms as well as one-room schoolhouses. She lives and works in Montana’s Paradise Valley, and is the newly appointed chair of the Board of Directors of the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts in Helena.
Tirrell says, "My pots employ mythic animal imagery, crisp design and riotous color to bring playfulness, character and storytelling to daily kitchen rituals and special occasions."