Profiles of Artists exhibiting at The Beauly Gallery

Profile of Karen James

Born in America, my education in studio ceramics began in Florida in 1978. After my second year of study, the adventure of visiting museums and galleries in Europe brought me to Glasgow via my Scottish husband (who I met in Amsterdam!). My formal education was eventually completed at Cardonald College, Glasgow in 1997.

I began my 'fleshpots' as a project at college and I've been doing them ever since. I enjoy the challenge of making succulent, Rubenesque ladies in a variety of sizes and poses as well as experimenting with colour, techniques and an array of clays. They are fired between 1080oC to 1120oC and are finished in oil pastels and wax. Through my consideration of movement and form I hope to convey the comfort one should feel in one's own skin! I have recently begun creating wall panels inspired by my surroundings, musical influences and my fleshpots. This format has given me the opportunity to diversify from 3D to 2D, allowing me more freedom to play with texture as well as composition.