Karen Newgard Pottery

Growing up in spirited South Louisiana gave me a sense of celebration and festivity. I strive to make a pot that brings a joyous aspect to an everyday ritual. One of my greatest influences is the drawing style associated with Southern Folk Art, flattened perspective and many vantage points The architectural elements found in South Louisiana have also been a strong influence in the development of my imagery. Nature is a source for pattern; the stripes of an empty field or rows of crops, and a trellis of roses or bunches of tulips. My interior scenes began with my memories of our family gatherings and my grandparent’s farmhouse. Over the years, the scenes have evolved into an iconographic encyclopedia that I draw from to create more stories and scenes.

The sgraffito carving technique developed in the eastern Mediterranean where they used imagery from their everyday experiences. This idea of using icons from daily life has always been an integral part of my work. Currently, I’m exploring the historical aspects of the process and adding elements to both my forms and pictorials that commemorate our daily customs. The works of John Audubon and the birds that visit the feeder outside my studio window in Western North Carolina provide new inspiration for imagery.

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