Kari rives

I studied painting, sculpture, and glass at the School of The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, then completed a residency at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine.

I often think of my sculpture as three dimensional paintings, and my focus is on animals. I have always been drawn to them and love the the way they express themselves with honesty and trust. They are a vital presence in many of our lives and celebrated themes here in the Southwest, and their lack of existential angst offers us a safe place to rest one’s mind and heart.

Clay provides a great medium for gesture and I choose to leave the evidence of my touch, moving quickly to maintain a sense of energy and life breathing from my forms. I often use multiple glaze firings at diminishing temperatures to achieve a larger color palette and increased depth through layering.

In an uncertain and often scary world, I don't feel the need to be confrontational through artwork; I would rather encourage empathy as opposed to alienation, and hope to honor the essence of the creatures I represent.