Karen Bell

I live in an oak woods part of the year – the rest of the year in the Sonoran Desert. The small animals and insects that live in the leaf litter, breed in my pond, or live underground in the heat of the summer raise many questions. Research of the natural world is where each piece begins – the fascination with the animal, a specific environment, the interplay of an animal with its natural habitat, breeding habits or food source _ all have been my inspirations. After a broad idea is discovered, hours are spent researching the biological characteristics of my subject. Attention to detail and the varieties of texture, plus the use of live models makes my work both realistic and unique. With a basic design in mind I begin to build the sculpture. My main media is high-fire clay. Classic hand-building techniques of slab, drape, and coil are used as well as many variations and innovations of my own. As all pieces are hand built, all are one of a kind. Because small details and certain colors burn out at the extreme temperature of over 2300 degrees, I do at least two glaze firings (one high temp for warm colors and strength—another lower temperature for bright colors, details, and texture). My hope in creating these sculptures is to make viewers a little more aware of the microcosm of life all around us, challenging all of us to become more sensitive and curious about our shared environment.