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About
Karen Tharp is a ceramic artist living in the heart of Florida. The porcelain artwork she creates celebrates her home state through freehand carved motifs. Detailed and maximalist designs cover every piece with bright and flowing imagery, reminiscent of wallpaper and textiles.
Citrus and marine life are staple designs, and recent favorites include shrimp, blueberries, kumquats, and jellyfish. Every carved line is saturated with color after the initial kiln firing, and additional blushes of pigment are painted on the surface afterward. It is then covered in glaze and kiln fired for the final time to 2300°.
The labor poured into each indulgent piece beckons the user to slow down, feel the impressions of the x-acto knife carving, and appreciate the moment with a drink or meal.
Tharp’s porcelain pottery is heirloom-quality, yet decidedly utilitarian, and is created exclusively by her.
She believes in handmade and unique artwork, and rejects generative technology.
Karen Tharp received her BFA in Studio Art from Florida State University in 2010, her Post Bacc in Ceramics from University of Florida in 2018, and her MFA in Fine Arts from The Ohio State University in 2021. She has worked with clay for over 25 years, and also has a background in intricately cutting paper, printmaking, book binding, sculpture, lacemaking, and many other mediums from her multiple interdisciplinary art degrees.
Tharp is a full time working artist in Gainesville, Florida, where she lives with her partner and dogs. On any given day, she can be found in her porcelain studio making magic out of mud.
