Karen Newgard
North Carolina potter Karen Newgard strives "to make a pot that brings a joyous aspect to an everyday ritual. The scenes on my pots are a mix of memories of family gatherings and influences such as Matisse and Southern folk art. Nature is also a source for pattern."
All of her pots are made on an English style kick wheel using porcelain clay. One the for has become "bone dry", she applies a terra sigalatta to the pot that is stained black. She then carves through the terra sigalatta into the pot using a loop tool. After the carving is complete, the pot is then bisque fired and glaze is applied to parts of the piece. She finally fires the pieces in a salt kiln. Once the kiln reaches 2350 degrees F, she introduces table salt into the firing, which reacts with the silica and seals the pot, forming a glassy surface on the outside of the pot.