Karen Sullivan

Todays interview is with Karen Sullivan. Karen has taught at Pasadena City College, working with Philip Cornelius and also studied at the Claremont Graduate School where she worked with Paul Soldner. She has had many part time teaching jobs around Southern California and values the experience of seeing the variety of studio practices, teaching styles and personalities. “It is amazing how diverse Southern California is, with pockets of communities with specific national identities. One thing I learned is the firing temperature is a major consideration in creating the ceramic surface. A studio firing cone 8 resulted in significantly softer clay and muted glazes”. Karen is currently teaching at Cal Poly Pomona where she has been since 2001. "My work has moved around three themes; handbuilt box forms from stiff slabs, thrown porcelain, and large coil construction. My bouncing around keeps me from being bored."

Why clay?
I was seduced by the touch of the clay. I continue to create things as a challenge of discovering interesting forms and surfaces. The chance to turn my imagination into physical objects that keeps me struggling to develop a voice . I like the transition of clay in response to the fire. The entire process has the opportunity to surprise.
Where do you like to work?
I am happiest in my quiet studio. It allows me to drift into the process of making, where my hands are busy, my thoughts quiet and I let the process guide my actions. What gets you in the mood?
Having enough time to work, which is somewhat rare.
Do you listen to music when you work?
I listen to the radio, often NPR…sometimes to music.
What motivates your work?.
Having the time to work is the biggest motivator. Seeing work that inspires me.
Who is your favorite artist and why?
Ther are several in clay and for different reasons. Volkous and his followers for the gestural use of clay. Ron Myers for his drawing on pots. Artists who use porcelain with a sensitivity to material. A good friend, Doug Louie, who inspires me always.
What’s your favorite cuss word? Crap
What is your favorite pleasure? Making things
What would you say to someone just getting started in ceramics who asks you for advice?
That the journey is the opportunity to learn about how you express yourself visually. That we all have a personal touch. And that you will have a Hansel and Gretel trail of work that defines who you are. That trail may not be known to many other people…but you will remember and will be enriched by the journey.
What is your feeling on the artist as activist, Artivism? and the “handmade” movement?
I teach and think of the work as my opportunity to share and inform my students. I value the handmade and think of the expression that comes from the hand as a powerful force of the human condition and our history. And has always been.

Thank You Karen!