Karen Moorhead

Iowa City, IA

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

I live in Iowa City and work on pottery at my home. I have been working with clay for 15 years.  I throw vessels on a potter’s wheel, but also enjoy hand building items.  In many cases I will combine these techniques to create interesting pieces. 

My work is high fired porcelain or a white clay called Bmix.  The pieces are functional and can be used in the microwave and are dishwasher safe.  Each piece is one of a kind and hand made by me.  There will be variations in color and design.  Some of these variations are intentional.  Others are created during the firing process

I am not a production potter.  Each piece is hand made.  Variations will occur, even if the pieces are similar.  This is the beauty of handmade items.

I am inspired by the beauty of nature. I often use leaves from my garden to impress in my work.  Hosta leaves, Dusty Miller, rhubarb leaves and Astilbe leaves are some of my favorites.  It is always a pleasure to find the perfect leaf for a piece.  I also enjoy experimenting with new ideas and techniques. There is always something new and exciting to try with clay. 

I like to put a small drawing on the bottom of my work.  Most often this is a bird on a tree branch, but this varies.  It is a surprise for the customer.  Along with a drawing, you will notice a symbol.  This is a backward K and an M, my initials.  Porcelain pieces will have a small star impressed next to the initials.  A Bmix item will have a small dot next to the initials. This allows me to compare glazes on different clay bodies.

I hope you enjoy your new piece of pottery!