Clay and metal sculptures
Inspired by the weathered and aged rock formations of the Australian coastline. The relentless crashing of waves and weather exposes the layers of stories held within these ancient, natural plinths. These stories are what I want to capture in my clay sculpture art.
My sculptures are hand-built ceramics, created with a combination of wheel-thrown and hand-building techniques. This enables me to work on a larger scale, as well as incorporate found objects into the clay to symbolise the human movements and actions within nature. Each piece take approximately 3-4 weeks to complete.
The sculptures are first fired to 1150 degrees Celsius in a gas-fired kiln, then a custom copper-glaze I have developed is applied to create a patina effect and enhances the fragmentation of the work.
These pieces can be exhibited indoors or outdoors.
![Karen-Charlebois-beachside-work.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6333e99b1294ed3603e90db1/1664346528512-VC0RG5THEFDQJM03DUBU/Karen-Charlebois-beachside-work.jpg)
![Clay-design-cairns-sculpture.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6333e99b1294ed3603e90db1/1664346528505-PHDZA09POUG45JLVNLB5/Clay-design-cairns-sculpture.jpg)
![Karen-Charlebois.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6333e99b1294ed3603e90db1/1664346528498-WUN3KKMO4HUACLS1EE71/Karen-Charlebois.jpg)
![Karen-Charlebois-clay-sculpture.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6333e99b1294ed3603e90db1/1664346528491-EGOGBXR3V8M95T7OEA7K/Karen-Charlebois-clay-sculpture.jpg)
![Clay-designs-cairns-work.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6333e99b1294ed3603e90db1/1664346528484-LG75EZVDIR7X19QDYBKV/Clay-designs-cairns-work.jpg)
![Karen-Charlebois-8.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6333e99b1294ed3603e90db1/1664346528519-MVWS1O9XVQTNMOTPMOKY/Karen-Charlebois-8.jpg)
“I love the functional aspect of clay and the sculptural possibilities. One completed idea always leads to another six! There is no “off button” when creating.”
![Karen-Charlebois-5.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6333e99b1294ed3603e90db1/1664346528543-YSVX91EU7B24T95ZIKU7/Karen-Charlebois-5.jpg)
![Karen-Charlebois-2.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6333e99b1294ed3603e90db1/1664346528566-XDW3N8M3EI7P1VRVTUBD/Karen-Charlebois-2.jpg)
![Karen-Charlebois-16.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6333e99b1294ed3603e90db1/1664346528550-LNKR53YFLIBOCEOOMRTV/Karen-Charlebois-16.jpg)
![Karen-Charlebois-14.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6333e99b1294ed3603e90db1/1664346528559-0GBE6DV9WQWA6NQQWL14/Karen-Charlebois-14.jpg)
![Karen-Charlebois-12.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6333e99b1294ed3603e90db1/1664346528583-E7TE9ODQLPH7D1JOXEHT/Karen-Charlebois-12.jpg)
![Karen-Charlebois-7.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6333e99b1294ed3603e90db1/1664346528573-628HBDZNSGHCFVDMH4SV/Karen-Charlebois-7.jpg)