Page 42 - Tropic Magazine Issue 38

TROPIC • STUDIO

A conversation with

Karen

Karen Charlebois is an award-winning ceramic artist, sculptor
and art teacher who has recently opened her own studio in
Cairns, called Clay Designs. Karen also works as a visual arts
consultant at Yarrabah Arts Centre and runs pottery classes at
Cairns Potters Club.

How long have you been in Cairns? Tell us about the studio space you
I’ve been living in Cairns for five years. have created
My studio space has a couple of
What made you move to the tropical different areas, the ‘mud-shed’
north? where all the making takes place,
I was a regular visitor to Cairns when then I have an area for glazing and
my sons were younger and we would firing work. It all opens out to the
spend our holidays here, diving and garden, which I love, especially being
visiting the surrounding areas. I fell able to work all year round, and no
in love with the region and made it a frosts! My drawing space is super
goal to return permanently one day. organised, unlike the rest of my
space!!
Where did you study?
I began my studies at the National Art Favourite country (based on their
School in Sydney, and continued on to ceramics)
do a Masters Degree at the Canberra When I spent time in Cuba, my
School of Art, ANU. favourite place was Camaguey.
Tinajones - large earthenware clay
What were you like as a student? jars - were used in the courtyard to
I embraced all aspects of student life! store water as there are no water
I loved it … most of the time! It was tanks. They are beautiful big forms.
hard, challenging and inspiring. I visited a couple of smaller potteries
It takes time to master your skill. Very where figurines and clay vessels for
few are born talented … it’s hard work ornamental purposes are created.
to learn and develop your ideas and They make a living doing this. My
skill. It’s continuous if you are driven Spanish was not up to scratch, but
- there is always improvement. there were many laughs had making
pots on the wheel.
What lead you to teaching?
I began teaching when my sons were
little, for a couple of days a week at
the TAFE where I was living. I really
enjoyed this time. There is a constant
challenge when teaching as
people come at ideas through
so many different angles.

42 • Tropic • Issue 28