For over 20 years I've created pottery, but my focus for the past 12 years has been using traditional methods from the American Southwest and Mexico. Pueblo pottery, especially the black-fired, hand-polished pieces, have been a major influence. Much like the pueblo style, I use a variety of texture and firing techniques to give my pottery a unique look, instead of relying on the more common practice of using glazes for color and design. From making clay to using a unique blackening process, the creation of my pottery is very labor and time intensive, but it's this approach I enjoy most.

 

I'm also inspired by other artists and the land and architecture of the Southwest. Over the years, I’ve studied under Juan Quezada of Mata Ortiz, Mexico, Michael Wisner in Colorado, and Jim Kempes at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. Juan and Michael taught me their unique hand building and polishing techniques that I use today. Michael also taught me to make clay, create textures using metal blades and the black firing process.

 

In recent years, I’ve produced unique wall hangings derived from lessons learned in pottery. They are created using fired clay, distressed copper, stainless and rusted steel then embellished with interesting materials such as leather, quills and semi-precious stones.

 

I hope you enjoy my work...

...Karen Sebesta

 

The photographs on this website represent a small sample of my work.

Please contact me at: karen@sebestapottery.com or 612-889-6607.