About

THE WORK
These days, I am inspired by and curious about the endless possibilities when constructing, building, and modeling clay. I consider playful forms and think about how they can function.

The current theme is an exploration of simple geometric beauty by either compounding or stripping away non-essentials. The work is thrown or hand built, often in parts that are connected at the leather hard stage. Carving through areas to see what is behind or inside can be a final step in my building process.

My sculptures transform into function as cups, wine tumblers, bowls, appetizer trays, platters, planters or vases. As Goethe said, “the hands want to see, the eyes want to caress”. My work is made to live in these worlds and then, to take a detour resulting from your addition… the colors and shapes of food, horticultural choices, etc.

A former Art Educator, I have been working, learning and growing in and through clay since 1982. I have taught art, and ceramics in particular, in public schools and community art spaces. A lifelong learner, I have been a student of ceramic education at Penland School of Craft, Alfred University, and at various conferences and workshops.

I enjoy talking about my work, meeting new people, and sharing ideas about the creative process.

CONNECTIONS
I am a ceramic artist living and working in my home studio/gallery in Ithaca, NY.  You may see my work here at 130 Pearsall, at the local artists’ cooperative, Handwork, on The Commons, Ithaca, NY, and/or The Potters’ Gallery, in Penn Yan, NY.  If you would like more information about pieces you have seen on social media platforms, contact me directly.

A member of the Greater Ithaca Art Trail, I participate in most of the open studios, which run 11am-4pm, on the first Saturdays of the month, as well as the open trail weekends, traditionally in during the middle two weekends of October. I teach potters wheel classes, a few sessions per year, at the Clay School, a wonderful community ceramics education studio here in Ithaca. Check their website often to see what classes are being offered.

When I am not making pots, I run a lovely little AirBnb, The Bungalow, adjacent to my house, and then… there is the banjo playing and occasional acapella singing.

For the latest on my studio work, visit my studio and/or look here.

HOME GALLERY & STUDIO OPEN MOST DAYS…
To enter, follow sidewalk between house and bungalow. The entrance is the walk-out basement in the back. Book an appointment via phone or email.

130 Pearsall Place
Ithaca, NY 14850
(315) 777-0612
Kari.Zelson.Robertson@gmail.com

Thanks for stopping by!

Kari

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