Karen Grosman
The paintings in " Sex , Death and Flowers " are inspired by memento mori and vanita paintings . I am interested in using nature , food , skulls and flowers as symbols of death , decay and the body . The juxtaposition of contrasting symbols explores concepts of birth , sexuality , aging and death . The ceramics are a combination of the beautiful and the ugly . I am interested in combining highly decorated objects with abject elements . Glossy pieces , with bone like bisque details . They explore ideas of superficiality , hidden meanings , the façade and the abject . The fragility of the material is an important element to the work , emulating the fragility of the society constructs they are inspired by . The clay pieces are earthenware fired to cone 6 ceramic . With a combination of under glaze and glaze , I am interested in contrasting materials , matte to glossy surfaces , and bisque to ceramic . White , Black and Red clay is used in combination and individually . All the pieces are hand built and painted .