My artwork is used metaphorically for the expression of life cycles. The ceramic pods function as constantly evolving vessel forms to express my ideas concerning: nourishment, reproduction, death and renewal. The making of these objects reflects my interest in transition.  I often work in a series to allow for the greatest amount of investigation involving form, material and process.

The ceramic process is one of transformation and it possesses its own life cycle: dust, wet, dry, bisque, glazed and vitrified.  These various stages provide opportunity for many divergent events to occur in the life of a piece. 

The work is mostly high fired to cone 10, stoneware or stoneware paper clay, with stains and glazes used to enhance the textured surfaces.  When making paper clay I add paper pulp to my clay body to enhance elasticity, moisture absorption and to strengthen the body during the construction stages.  The paper burns out during the firing.

I have been combining fiber not only within the clay body, but also on the surfaces of the forms. These pieces are connecting the fiber as an integral part of the object and idea. They are process driven and each new piece stimulates ideas for the next.  I respond to the texture, color and material shift of combining these two processes as one and see an endless potential for investigation.   In addition to fiber I have been exploring a multi-media approach to my work combining metal, beads and paint on the surfaces and in the forms.  I love working with these various materials, finding solutions to complex construction problems and pursuing ideas and creating forms that could not be accomplished with clay alone.   

Caroline Kahler