Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Karen Dance | Episode 1075
Peacefully working from her home studio on Vancouver Island, Karen Dance pursues her desire to create out-of-the-ordinary pottery pieces. Karen is inspired by the human form, natural movement, expressive features, and all the wonders found in nature. With over 35 years as an artist in many mediums, it was the melding of Karen’s education at CMU Creature design and prosthetics along with Ceramics training at Sheridan college that led her on this path of exploration.
SPONSORS
You can help support the show!
GRPotteryForms.com
Number 1 brand in America for a reason. Skutt.com
For all your ceramic needs go to Georgies.com
The preferred printing supplier for potters everywhere! SmallDogPrints.com
Do you start with an emotion when you make your characters?
I would say no. Emotions will come forward but I don’t necessarily start with an emotion before I put my hands to the clay.
Do you see a monster in the clay when you start? Do you see that character before you start working on piece?
If I have been asked to make it, no. If I am doing it just because I want to, yes. I can see it there.
Why does that change how you approach the piece?
The pressure. The pressure of trying to make something amazing for somebody and they give you free reign and having absolutely no pressure, just oding whatever my hands want.
Do you ever repeat a piece? Repeat a monster?
Occasionally, if I have a customer who saw something in my shop that they would really like me to make. I will make several of those but they are not always the same. How can they be?
Do you find that the majority of the personality comes out in the eyes or is it the mouth. Where is the seat of the personality in your work?
There’s a real nuance when you are putting to character to life. When you are introducing yourself to it. It can be really subtle. It can be the eyebrow. It could be the smirk. So I would say mostly from the eyes but it can also be from something really subtle.
What would make a monster a second?
It would have to be a glaze flaw or a crack, that’s sort of thing. I tend to not sell them if they are duds.
How much time in a week is spent in the studio? An average week?
An average week I would say six to eight hours a day. Upwards to ten off and on. More than I should. Less than I could.
Book
Arthur Spiderwicks Field Guide by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlrizzi
Contact
Instagram: @tiltedkilnworks