Karen Wintergalen

Bio

I am a part-time potter for over 7 years from Overland Park, Kansas.  For years, my to-do list had “take a pottery class” on it.  I finally took a ceramic class at the local community college and that led me to my love for clay.  I have volunteered for over 6 years at the Kansas City Clay Guild, constantly learning and renewing my passion along the way. I am especially blessed to be able to do something I truly love now in my retirement years. 

My hand-built pottery incorporates whimsical characters and nature-inspired designs. These fun and colorful pieces are meant to be functional, and each unique piece has a personality of its own. In the end, my ultimate goal is to create something magical that brings a huge smile to the user. My work is displayed in the Center Earth Gallery at the Kansas City Clay Guild, and you can contact me or see more on Facebook (karen wintergalen) and Instagram (@kwintergalen).

Artist Statement

As a potter for over 7 years, my work is truly a reflection of me. My sense of humor and my love of nature show through the drawings and characters I add. Each piece has a unique personality, and I incorporate a message on the back of each item.  My pieces are typically made of stoneware and fired to a mid-temperature. I make relatively simple hand-built forms and let the drawings take center stage. They are functional pieces that are meant to be handled and used in everyday life.  When I see that someone likes my art enough to buy it, it only adds to the pleasure I found in creating the work.

Exhibitions