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Karen Baker

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	*Peacock Tray* Majolika 11" x 8" $50.00	*Vase* Majolica 11" x 4" $75.00	*Flower Pedestal Dish* Majolica 8" x 3" x 4" $40.00

Florida Artist:

Karen Baker
1310 Coletta Drive
Orlando,FL 32807
321-235-5759
Pottery, Majolica
Email

I began painting in grade school. Later found throughout my Public School education, teachers took an interest in helping me to develop as an artist. Before attending Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Michigan, I spent the summer showing my work with my Aunt Mary. (Holmes)

I took a sabbatical for approximately 10 years. That ended when I found Crealde’ School of Art in Winter Park, Florida. All the painting classes were full and I so wanted to get back at it, I thought that a weekend workshop in clay would be fun. I was hooked !!!

That was the late 80’s. Since that class, I became a Fellowship Student, Studio Artist, and Faculty member. I truly believe that when you align your intention with your purpose in life, the path to your destiny becomes clearer. Opportunities become obvious and it seems as though everything falls into place.

Majolica allows me to explore the three dimensional with my experience in color and painting. I let my materials speak to me. It is a connection between materials, and my hands and sensibilities, learned and instinctual that come to be wonderful pots that are useful and beautiful. I approach painting on the pots like a watercolor, layering with several colors, that are revealed after firing. The layering of colors add a depth to the subject that you cannot get from just one flat color. I create the pots by throwing on the wheel and/or adding hand building facets. I use a red earthenware clay for the body of the pots. For the glazing I use a Majolica (White tin glaze) to create the canvas on which to paint. The stains I use to paint on the pots are Mason stains mixed with Gerstley Borate and water. Sometimes I add gold luster (after the glaze firing)in a separate firing at cone 019.

I am continually building my body of work and perfecting my craftsmanship. Just like a painting, no two are exactly alike. Elements that reoccur are Calla Lilies, Asparagus, Peacocks, Fish, and assorted flowers. Newer themes are Hens. As with all my themes there is a personal history attached. The chickens come from my neighbors hens, who saw greener grass on the other side of the fence and probably more grasshoppers too!

What does an artist do In their free time ? I work in my garden, an activity that runs in my family. Entertaining friends and cooking. Finding new things to do on the computer. Watching the birds butterflies and other creatures in my yard. The rest of my life is devoted to my husband Ben and our two cats Rhea Sara Bivens and Elsie Maria Martinez’.