Karen Adelaar
Karen Adelaar
I do ceramic sculpture. I am inspired by a lifelong interest in Natural History and Primitive cultures. My choice of clay as a medium is directly related to this primitive material and it’s immediate connection to the Earth’s infinite process of decomposition and renewal.
The majority of my work is hand but. I do a lot of layering, texturing and carving and use a wide selection of clay bodies, oxides, slips and natural stains. Some of these colorants are made from black walnuts, rust, ash and vibrant spaces like Turmeric.
I fire my work in a variety of kilns including Anagama, pit, raku, gas and electric depending upon the effect that I hope to c]achieve.
I am especially attracted to the unique beauty of wood firing. The flames deposit distinct markings and I am constantly fascinated by the endless possibilities presented by this process.
I also paint. I use a variety of materials in my work;and I have recently become fascinated with encaustic wax.
I was the Director of the Ceramics Department at Marymount College. I taught and managed the Ceramic Department for;over 20 years.
Prior to that, I worked as an apprentice to a Master Taxidermist, owned and operated Just Desserts, a small retail bakery in Manhattan and spent a year at the American Museum of Natural History.
All of these experiences have influenced and are reflected in my work and choice of materials and subject matter.
I have work in several publications, have been in many juried shows and my pieces are in several stores and many private collections.