"The art of creating with clay is not just a challenge and joy, it is also an adventure. As with most any art form, the artist pushes limits, evaluates progress, and moves forward with new goals and vision that continues to be redefined. And I find the greatest reward in what I do is the act of creating sculptural form in real space, constantly taking things a step further. The artistic journey seems to be as much about creating new objects as it is letting those objects define the artist. This has become the true meaning of art for me personally, and I have come to find equal reward in creating work for myself as well as for others.
For me, a very important part of the creative process is hearing and seeing how people respond to my work. Participating in craft shows has become a primary source for gathering these responses, and I take many of my findings back to the workshop to continue the journey. Responding to those who appreciate art in subtle or complex ways has become my way of understanding the impact of my work on others. This is what I feel helps me keep my work current, relevant, objective, and very satisfying."
A native of central Illinois and graduate of Illinois State University, Steve Karloski has long been fascinated with visual art and ways to be creative and expressive. Through music and nature, as well as cultural and environmental interests, he continues to employ sculptural arts to communicate.
While studying fine art in college, Steve also became fascinated with Russian studies and culture, participating in a study abroad program in 1990 in the former Soviet Union. Those experiences led to his mask making, influenced by Russian iconography. This work has been his outlet to expressing human spirituality in his own way. This series of masks, now in the making for over fifteen years, is a favorite among customers at regional art and craft shows. Steve uses a casting process to make his masks both available and affordable. Presently working at home as well as with other local artists, Steve’s current work also explores functional ceramics, including lamps, vessels and other abstract pieces.
Since moving south in the early 90s, Steve has lived in a variety of locales, from Atlanta to Asheville. Now residing in Raleigh, he finds the local people, landscape, and art scene captivating, refreshing and much like “home”.
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