Clay Space... a creative arts center in Eugene

Helen Kaufman is one our private studio artists. She has shown her work at a number of places — currently her work is showing in Oregon at Earthworks in Yachats. In June, Helen will be showing work at the Guardino Gallery on Alberta St. in Portland, with an opening on Thursday, May 31^st.

Helen’s love of clay dates back to the 1970’s when she spent ten years as a studio potter and the co-owner of Clay Pigeons in Riverdale, NY. After years in the studio, Helen returned to graduate school and spent the next ten years as student and Art Therapist. She feels that her experience as a clinician has deepened her appreciation of the relationship between creativity and healing. 

In 2015, Helen, with her husband George, moved from New York to Eugene. Having spent time exploring the studio options in Eugene, it was clear that Clay Space was a perfect place for her to continue her work with clay.

"Upon entering the studio, as I uncover my work, my mind’s eye sees the next step in its emergence. I reach for the tool that will define the contour… slowly carving, moving more rapidly as the process takes over and I leave my everyday self behind."

Full artist statement

The work of both Karen Perkins and Helen Kaufman is offered for sale at Earthworks in Yachats! 

Stop by when you are visiting the coast.

Karen has been working with clay for nearly 40 years. She has exhibited work sporadically throughout those years with more of a focus on exhibiting since retiring from public school teaching.

Karen taught middle school and high school art for 30 years. Many of her projects with students centered around public service and public art projects. Before and during this time, Karen taught ceramics through Maude Kerns Art Center, Lane Community College and Amazon Community Center. Karen was involved in helping Clay Space with some of our original class and studio plans. She began teaching occasional and specialty classes at Clay Space when she retired in 2011. We're glad to have her working with us!

Viz City interview with Karen for KLCC Radio on January 24, 2018.

Karen's pieces are wheel thrown forms, subsequently manipulated with hand building processes. By stretching and compressing after the piece comes off the wheel, each form emerges spontaneously, defining its own character. Frequently working with loose sketches, she often moves from original intent, following a trail that tangents the original idea. It’s a wander through the world of form, one piece evolving from the last.

Most pieces begin abstract in intent, with her interest following the grace of line or curve. The clay working process often yields a sense of story. Karen's many interests (horseback riding, kayaking, gardening and music making) are present in the forms of her work. Gathering curve imagery from following the movement of a horse’s withers or jaw line; tracing the flow of a tree branch. She loves to create lift in these pieces, working the feet to create lightness and a precarious relationship to the earth.

Pieces that reach out, suggesting gaping mouths, are at times bird-like, gestures of yearning, of request and of offering. "It pleases me to watch my images alternate between the absurd, a flowing form, and a croak, as I find strength in learning not to take myself too seriously." (Karen)

Full artist statement