Karen Karnes (1925-2016)
Karen Karneswas a pioneer in ceramics from the generation that came of age after WWII. Part of two legendary art communities: Black Mountain College and the Gatehill Community in New York with Merce Cunningham, John Cage and Robert Rauschenberg among others, Ms. Karnes was a modernist at heart- her inspiration coming from The Bauhaus. Her work has always been sculptural--even when functional. In the 1980’s and 90’s Karnes created her legendary winged vessels and slit forms. In the 2000’s she turned to her sculpture of combined forms which can be seen as landscape, figurative or still life. Her work is sought after and collected by individuals and museums. Karen Karnes long illustrious career touched and influenced many within her field.
