Karin N. Bergh

Artist's Statement:

Karin’s background is international. She was born in the United States and raised in Santa Fe, NM but her Swedish father inspired her to return to Europe to find her (other) roots.

Karin has been making ceramics for over 20 years. She began as an apprentice to Wilhelm and Elly Kuch of Germany. She completed a three-year program under their direction and achieved a certificate from the German Ceramics Guild for her excellent work and craftsmanship.

Nonetheless, Karin spent many years away from the clay, traveling and working in Germany, Switzerland and Sweden. Needless to say, she is fluent in German and Swedish.

Karin now has her own studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico and is working in clay on a regular basis, experimenting with majolica, earthenware firing and midrange firing. She is also studying for a bachelor’s degree in fine arts.

Karin’s products include one-of-a-kind hand-decorated mugs, pitchers, bowls, tiles, vases, platters and sculptures.

Karin's description of her work: My inspiration comes from the places where I have lived, like Germany, Sweden and Santa Fe. My grandmother and mother, both from Santa Fe, had exquisite taste in home decorating, cooking and entertaining. They brought me up in a home filled with color and intriguing furniture, textiles, and dinnerware. I like to think that these two women’s eclectic and artistic talents rubbed off on me.

Now that I have my own studio, I find that there is nothing more satisfying than to make a cup or bowl that fits well in the hand - as well as in the dishwasher, in the oven or on the dinner table. Naturally, the magnificent New Mexico land- and sky-scapes influence the shapes, textures and colors of my wares and sculptures.