My name is Karen Larson and I am a native of Iron Mountain, Michigan. My pottery business is called Throwing Stones Pottery and Garden Art. Throwing Stones participates annually in a variety of juried art shows throughout the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Northern Wisconsin.
Pottery has become my passion. My clay work is a mix of traditional and funky. I create hand thrown stoneware bases using a lead free glaze. Some pieces are adorned with copper wire, glass beads and medallions–a mixture of all of my favorite things. You will notice that many of my pieces have an Asian flair. I admire that culture’s philosophy of life, and therein find a true inner peace.
Through the teachings and support of people in my life, I am able to create freely, experiencing joy while exploring self through working with clay. I find it truly amazing that I create work for myself and others appreciate the outcome. I have found that family, friends and work are key to my life’s journey and success.
Previously I worked as an interior design consultant for a local furniture and retail gift store. While consulting, I took my first pottery classes through Northeast Wisconsin Technical Institute, Northern Michigan University, and private lessons with Dick Boyd of Iron and Pine Pottery. With his encouragement, I entered my first juried show and began selling my work in the summer of 2003. Since then I have received the Art for All People’s Choice Award three consecutive years and in 2003 was awarded the Art for All Most Promising Up and Coming New Artist, and Award of Excellence. In 2005 and 2006, I was awarded two first place ribbons in the pottery category at the General Federation of Women’s Club State Convention Art Contest. Most recently, using my retail background, I have opened up an Artist Co-op Gallery called “ArtWorks” in my hometown of Iron Mountain, Michigan. My work also can be found at East Ludington Gallery in Escanaba, Michigan, Art & Décor in Menominee, Michigan, and Steamin Joe’s Coffee House in Florence, Wisconsin.