About the artist

Karen Mahoney first touched clay during college in Wyoming, filling a needed art credit with a pottery class, and developed an immediate fascination with the material there. Shortly after, she accepted a studio assistant position to raku artist Steven Branfman at The Potters Shop in Needham, Massachusetts. Here she was able to develop skills, knowledge, and a unique style through determined studying outside of the classroom. During this time she also began her pottery business, City by the Sea Ceramics, which she now runs out of her home studio in Independence, Oregon. Karen furthered her clay knowledge and experience with a nine month residency at Cub Creek Studios under John Jessiman in Appomattox, Virginia. During the residency Karen helped build a three chamber noborigama with the other residents.

Her work focuses on functional pieces, drawing out portions of various Asian influences and reconstructing them with a modern perspective, style, and relevance. Karen’s pottery has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, many national events including CraftBoston and The Strictly Functional Pottery National, and throughout Asia.