Tropic Now joined local clay design extraordinaire and sculptor Karen Charlebois at her studio to discuss her journey to opening Clay Designs Cairns, and what inspires her to keep creating and sharing her knowledge.
How long have you been in Cairns?
I have been living in Cairns for 5 years.
What made you move to the Tropical North?
I was a regular visitor to Cairns when my sons where younger and we would spend our holidays here, diving and visiting the surrounding areas. I feel in love with the region and made it a goal to return permanently one day.
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Where did you study?
I began my studies at the National Art School in Sydney, and continued on to do Masters Degree at the Canberra School of Art, ANU, later.
What were you like as a student?
I embraced all aspects of student life! I loved it…most of the time! It was hard, challenging and inspiring. It takes time to master your skill. Very few are born talented… its hard work to learn and develop your ideas and skill. It's continuous if you are driven there is an always improvement.
Do you have a favourite vessel / form / shape to make?
I love working with clay on the wheel and sculpting, but when I have free time my passion is drawing.
What lead you to teaching?
I began teaching when my sons were little, for a couple of days a week at the TAFE where I was living. I really enjoyed this time. There is a constant challenge when teaching as people come at ideas at so many different angles.
Tell us about the studio space you have created?
My studio space has a couple of different areas, the ‘Mud-shed” where all the making take place, then I have an area for glazing and firing work. It all opens out to the garden, which I love, especially being able to work all year around and no frosts!!!!! My drawing space is super organised, unlike the rest of my space!!
What is your favourite country based on their ceramics?
When I spent time in Cuba, my favorite place was Camaguey. Tinajones (jar), large earthenware clay pots where used in the courtyard to store water as there are no water tanks. They are beautiful big forms. I visited a couple of smaller potteries, where figurines and clay vessels for ornamental purposes are made and they make a living doing this. My Spanish was not up to scratch, but there where many laughs had making pots on the wheel.
4 favourite things
1. A big red trumpet saved for the tip, sits in my lounge room. One day soon I will turn it into a lamp.
2. A wood fired teapot I purchased from a potter when in Canada and use daily.
3. A fake leopard skin pattern coat purchased from an op shop in Adelaide a few years back. Not very useful living here, though I can’t part with it.
4. WW2 BSA Airborne Folding Paratroopers Bike I recently purchased to restore. It’s sitting on a shelf in my kitchen currently as it’s a beautiful object to look at.
Tropic Studio worked with Karen Charlebois to bring Clay Designs Cairns to life.
The process comprised of a wide scope of marketing and design work that included logo design, site development, asset creation, and a studio shoot with local photographer Cristina Bevilacqua from The Photo Corner.
We look forward to seeing what's coming up for Karen, and catching her tablescapes at our favourites eateries around town.
This article originally appeared in Tropic magazine Issue 38
