North Carolina ceramic sculptor Karli Pendergraft makes soft organic forms and vessels with abstracted elements from the natural world.
Artist: The North Carolina native was born and grew up in Raleigh. In 2018, she received her BFA in studio art from Appalachian State University in Boone. Soon after graduation, she moved to Asheville.
Studio: Since 2019, Pendergraft has had studio space in Odyssey Gallery of Ceramic Arts (OGCA), an artists’ collective in Asheville’s River Arts District.
In the beginning: Growing up she loved drawing and painting but didn’t experiment with other mediums, like clay, until college.
Art & materials: Coil-built sculptural ceramic forms that are fired to mid-range.
What’s popular: The “Sprouts” ($40 to $100) and her “Mini” pieces ($20 to $40) that are smaller and easier for travel.
Other favorites: Larger sculptural forms ($600 to $2,000).
Favorite tools: Her hands.
“The hand-building process requires that I touch every inch of each piece,” said Pendergraft. “I get so much information from my hands as I create my work. They’re the only tool I couldn’t go without.”
Inspirations:
- Mycelium networks, cell structure and root systems.
- Human and plant anatomy.
- California Clay Movement (1950’s to 1980’s).
- Antoni Gaudí, Catalan architect and designer from Spain.
Special commissions: A large, floral-rimmed vase for her mother, who had been asking for piece for a while.
Recent project: A featured display at the OGCA.
What’s next:
- A new series of sculptures at OGCA as part of the collective’s summer show.
- A coil-building demonstration at the OGCA on Aug. 10 during the “Second Saturday” celebration.
Where to buy: Odyssey Gallery of Ceramic Arts (odysseygalleryofceramicarts.com).
Get social:
- Instagram: @KPendergraft_art
- Website: Kpendergraft.com
