The artist
Karen Charlebois
I find the ceramic process intriguing, the making, the sculpting, the firing and then glazing. You have a lump of mud in front of you and the next thing you know you have created an object. I am excited every time I open the kiln door to see what the Kiln Gods have offered. When people see a bowl, vase sculpture etc., they don’t see the many roads it took to get to that final piece. This process of making is the passion for me.
My story
It all started when I was at Goulburn TAFE in NSW, wanting to enrol in a wool-classing course the intake for that semester was full, so I had to wait until the next semester. While there, I thought I would enrol in a part-time ceramic course to fill time, and like a firecracker something went off inside of me! I then completed a degree at the National Art School in Darlinghurst.
After my education I started a ceramics workshop in Helensburgh called Barefoot Pottery with a “partner in clay” and sold wares at Paddington and Balmain markets in Sydney for several years. We also made tandoor ovens for restaurants throughout Sydney.
We then purchased a wood fired pizza restaurant in Tathra and while there made wares to be used in the restaurant. After two baby boys arrived, I started teaching Visual Arts/Ceramics at Illawarra TAFE, Bega campus for 10 years. During this time, I completed my Masters in Visual Arts at the ANU in Canberra.
Five years ago I moved to Cairns and opened a small stall at Rustys Markets. It was a wonderful introduction to Far North Queensland as I got to meet and sell my work to so many people. I gained a lot of support and business and everything kick started from there. I now work in my studio fulltime and grow sweet potatoes in my backyard and have been working in ceramics as an artist and teacher for over 25 years.
… I never did do that wool-classing course.
Want to learn with me? Check out my workshops and classes here.
My work
Clay is my predominate material used, however, I am constantly seeking inspiration and coming up with new ideas and ways to create art and will incorporate copper wire and other metal, found objects and wood. Clay is so versatile that the possibilities of creation are endless.
“You have a lump of mud in front of you and the next thing you know you have created an object. I am excited every time I open the kiln door to see what the Kiln Gods have offered.”
