Karen Williams

While at university I studied art, specialising in graphics and printmaking, after experimenting with clay I decided it was rather difficult although I had some success with hand-building. When my career didn’t take me in that direction, I always pursued some type of art (photography, life-drawing, etching to name a few). After moving to West Wales about 10 years ago and working from home as a project manager, I needed a creative outlet. A ceramics class caught my eye and decided to give it a go. It turned out that throwing left-handed opened the door to thrown ceramics for me. After a few years of lessons, I set up my own studio at home, which give me flexibility and allowing more experimentation. When making pots I’m most creative – its doing rather than thinking, a different part of my brain; it’s when the pots that I’ve dreamed about and doodled become reality. 

The technical task of making different shapes is challenging. Ceramics is a world of contrasts – taking a lump of raw clay and making something striking and functional. The discipline that’s needed to throw a pot compared to the spontaneity of decorating the pot in a way that demonstrates movement, emotion and passion is something I find fascinating. Each pot will be slightly different to the last one – the beauty of the handmade. 

The natural world is inspiring and what I see around me is a huge influence; the fluidity and colours of waves and the sea; the changes in the weather and seasons; the beauty of Welsh landscapes. There is nothing more magical and exciting than opening a glaze kiln and seeing the finished results for the first time; seeing if they live up to my hopes and expectations. 

Email: karen@karenwilliamsceramics

Tel: 07766492264

Instagram: www.instagram.com/karenwilliamsceramics

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