Karen, a Chicago native now based in Vancouver by way of Seattle, threw her first pot over 30 years ago—and was instantly hooked. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Art and Education and has spent the past two decades traveling the world, leading workshops and demonstrations for a global pottery wheel company.

Her work, a unique blend of functional and sculptural ceramics, is deeply influenced by her Native American heritage. You can find her pieces online, at Gallery 408, in person at the local farmers market, and now also at à la mud!

@karen_finding_joy
karenfindingjoy.clued.xyz/

The first time I sat down at a wheel and put my hands on clay, I instantly fell in love. I discovered this love at a time in my life when I was focusing on inner wellness and reflecting on how to better nurture my sense of creativity. I found something about the feeling of shaping clay to be incredibly healing and meditative! I learned to stay present in the process, rather than stressing about the end result. It stripped away my previous self-doubt that my creative efforts needed to be judged as “good” in order to have value; if I find joy in the process of sculpting a piece, then it doesn’t matter if that piece has imperfections. Every pot thrown is a lesson in mindfulness, every mug built is a chance to disconnect from the stress of everyday life. Let’s connect through this messy and imperfect journey together!

I am drawn to clay because it continually gives lessons in patience, unpredictability, and letting go. My very first ceramics teacher began class with a question that still drives me: What’s the difference between art and craftsmanship? Between art and fine art? At à la mud, I hope to share both the fundamentals of form and the quiet, grounding practice that clay invites. You’ll probably catch me trying to reclaim every bit of clay—or giving extra love to my studio sidekick pup, Bella.