BIOGRAPHY

My mother, Evelyn Ruth Zelson, was a “maker”. She passed her interest in that way of life to me. Passionate about creating intricate and unique art quilts, wall hangings, clothing, and furniture, she gifted her family and friends with her work and enthusiasm. I remember that to talk with her, over the usual cup of coffee, I always had to have paper and pencil handy, tools for sharing ideas and plans for how “you might do” this or that.

For me, clay is a perfect material. I am continuously curious about the dimensions of the material, plastic and permanent, depending on the stage. My pieces are handbuilt, wheel thrown, or a combination of both, depending upon goals for the final form. Often, my inspiration comes from the movement of life in and of water environments. On the other end of the spectrum, I also like to build geometric forms reminiscent of my mother’s quilts, pop-ups in 3-D form.

Whether I am making a cup, bowl, or platter, all are made to engage the viewer from every perspective, and using the sense of sight, touch, and even taste— when paired with your cooking, friends and family.

In the Spring of 2014 I studied for two months with David Eichelberger at the Penland Craft School, in North Carolina. Inspired, I added a small building to my property, to serve as a “Fairweather Gallery” at my former home in Rutland Center, NY.

Opened the first week of November 2014.

In May 2016, I began an exciting collaboration with 10 other artists to open a gallery called Fibonacci 321. Located in the quaint, arts and ecology minded river village of Clayton, NY, I ran this venture for two years before moving to Ithaca.

As a former public school art educator, I have been an advocate for learning and promoting creative possibilities by contributing to arts development in my local scene. In 2009, I helped to resurrect the local arts council, Watertown, NY, and served as President. We opened a brick and morter gallery and education space called Arts on the Square. I also served as member of the board of BetterFarm/BetterArts in Redwood, NY. based on the Better Theory–“a belief that every experience has the potential to bring with it exponential personal growth”.

In May 2016, I collaborated with Graphic Designer, Kathy Sturr, under the umbrella of the North Country Arts Council, to open the NNY Art Trail covering Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. By the end of the year we distributed 15K brochures offering information on year-round access to over 50 artists and galleries in our region. Interestingly, I modeled that project on the Greater Ithaca Art Trail, of which I am now a part, having moved to the area in the spring of 2018.

Here, in Ithaca, I am becoming part of a wonderfully vibrant artists’ and educational community, full of opportunity for growth, change, and challenge.

Contact me with any questions, comments, or interesting ideas, at kari.zelson.robertson@gmail.com and check out my facebook page for updates!

Thanks for checking out my website!

Kari