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Bio

Karen James is a largely self-taught Ceramics Artist dedicated to exploring the intersection of functionality and artistry.  She received her BA in Visual Arts and English Literature at the University of Western Ontario, Canada in 1996, focusing on painting, drawing, and contemporary prose, and became a practicing visual artist for the next 25 years.  As a hobby and pastime, Karen took ceramics classes at local studios in each city she lived with her family over the years.  It wasn't until 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, that Karen began a focused journey in Ceramics and fell in love with the medium.  Her goal is to share her approach to ceramics in an attempt to make the routines of daily life more connected to creative living.

Artist Statement

As a painter for most of my artistic life, I have come to love ceramics for its unique ability to be both functional and a medium for storytelling and connection. This discovery motivates my current work as I strive to balance simple forms and utility with the character and whimsy of my previous two-dimensional art.

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In my surface designs, I favor clean lines and charming imagery, often drawing inspiration from the natural world and personal experiences. I embrace a sense of humor and an element of wonder in my illustrations, allowing even serious themes to be touched with lightness and approachability.

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For me, the creative process is as important as the finished piece. Sgraffito is a meditative practice that connects me intimately to each creation. My palette is primarily monochromatic, but I incorporate splashes of color, precious metals, and lustres to highlight narrative elements, adding dynamic energy to the surface.

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Each functional ceramic piece I make is a celebration of ordinary life, playfully imagined. I aim to show that the objects we use every day can reflect a spirit of creativity—one that connects us all, no matter how it manifests in our lives.

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