T H E S TAT E | M A K E R S
Nature at the Heart
Colorado native Whitney Forsyth pays tribute to her upbringing with her large-scale ceramic sculptures.
N
ature has always been an essential part of Whitney Forsyth’s life, from observing insects and animals, to filling her pockets with seeds and rocks, to calming sojourns in the woods. And it is at the heart of her artwork. Forsyth is a studio artist whose passion for creation began at a young age; she found her focus in a ceramics class in sixth grade. Since then, Forsyth has continued growing her talents and now concentrates on large-scale ceramic sculptures and installations. While she grew up in Manitou Springs, Colo., Forsyth has Oklahoma ties through her grandparents, whom she visited frequently. She also attended Oklahoma State University and earned her bachelor’s degree in fine arts. “I have always been a maker, since I was young,” she says. “My mom was an artist and encouraged my artistic abilities. I had a lot of time outside as a child exploring my grandparents’ garden in Oklahoma or the woods in Colorado where I grew up.” Forsyth went on to New Mexico State University to add a master’s in fine arts to her list of accomplishments. In 1999, she took a position as an associate professor of art at the University of Tulsa, where she taught until 2016. But her teaching didn’t stop there. More recently, Forsyth opened her own studio. You can find “In 2017, I transitioned to full-time work as a studio artist,” she confirms. “Currently, Forsyth’s I own and teach at Red Heat Ceramic Art work Studio.” displayed in The community clay studio located in art centers, Tulsa opened in 2021. It is now home to 36 galleries and artists and has more than 50 students takmuseums ing classes regularly. It also allows Forsyth across the to continue sharing what she loves with U.S. and others and introducing people to clay for private and the first time. public art “By establishing a community clay collections. studio that encourages all generations Her most to work in the same space together,” she recent says, “the collaboration and discovery are installation contagious!” is a large Nature is an integral part of Forsyth’s wall piece artwork, yes, but the work also tells the to comstory of her life – where she’s been and memorate where she’s going. The ceramics creator the 100th says some of her favorite pieces are the anniversary circular arrangements of objects with of Holland intricate designs and repetitive patterns Hall School called mandalas. in Tulsa. “I love the mandalas,” she says. “They She’s also encourage viewers to sit, look and listen. I working on also love the momentum of the Windward a display for series ... the large forms that are created Saint Francis with hundreds of small pieces assembled Hospital that together.” will be comVisit whitneyforsyth.com to learn more plete this about the artist and see her work. summer.
To Find Forsyth
Whitney Forsyth recently opened a community clay studio in Tulsa. Photo courtesy Forsyth
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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | JUNE 2022
ALAINA STEVENS
