Karen Tacey
Artwork for Karen Tacey
Details
How would you describe the work you do and why?
I design, create and fire my own functional and decorative stoneware. Each piece is completely unique, hand crafted and fired to very high temperatures with reactive, lead free glazes that produce a never ending and sometimes unpredictable array of beautiful finishes. No two pieces will ever be the same, being handmade the beauty of each piece will shine through, transforming an every day item into something very special.
For you what does being an artist mean?:
Growing up I was always creating, crafting and making, being actively encouraged to glue, build and sew at every opportunity, an expressive pastime I have engendered in my own children. Unfortunately life didn't take me down the wonderful path of ceramics early, rather I discovered it in my search for a release from the stresses that came with a career in social care, an evening course with friends turned out to be the start of an overwhelming passion. Learning the art of ceramics involves frequent frustration but more often complete joy and one learns to appreciate the unexpected outcome with forms that although not intended have their unique and unexpected quality.
Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:
I am a ceramicist working from my own small studio at home. I specialise in hand thrown stoneware making unique functional and decorative pieces in both traditional and modern designs.
Your practice & activities include e.g workshops, teaching:
2024 saw the beginning of an exciting collaboration between myself and Gaby Devitt, woven textile designer from Livinloom Home in Ross-on-Wye. Gaby and I have collaborated together for some years with my ceramic lamp bases and Gaby's beautiful handwoven lampshades. We decided to take this further when we joined forces to run the shop together, giving me a larger space to meet customers, show case and sell my work. We are open 3-4 days a week.
I also supply my ceramics to other local outlets and I enjoy taking part in markets and exhibitions throughout Herefordshire and adjoining counties.
I teach pottery from my home studio through either a one day 'Introduction to Pottery Workshop' or a three day 'Whole Process Workshop'.
Exhibitions in the last 3 years:
I am a member of Forest and Rivers Far Open Artists where this year I shall be participating in the Open Studios event at Print Maker, Sarah Delahoy's studio. I also belong to a small group of female artists, holding our first exhibition as a group this year. I have had the greatest pleasure of exhibiting three times with the wonderful landscape inspired Severn Sisters Art Group. And, a great honour for me also was being invited to join the prestigious Sanctuary Gallery in Newnham-on-Severn for their River to Forest Exhibition in 2023.
Arguably Herefordshire Art Week is my biggest and longest event of the year, followed closely by The Forest Markets annual Christmas Market held in Ruardean.
Your gallery outlets/stockists:
Livinloom Home, Ross-on-Wye (Direct or via websites).
The Nest at Little Verzons Farm, Hereford Road, Ledbury.