Senior Artist: Karelis Ruiz
Meet the Artist
I explore the boundaries of clay to create fantastical, mythical scenes that inspire wonder like that of a child learning something new. I enjoy the moments where my work takes on new directions I hadn’t previously explored. I create spaces where people can escape their stressful lives for just a moment as they look upon my work. I also enjoy playing between the borders of calmness and chaos, contrasting the beauty that can arise when showcasing these two themes in a harmonious way. My work never has a predetermined outcome or final image but rather shifts and transforms itself as I pursue and develop the piece. Just as the finished product does not yet exist until it is done, neither do the colors or palette. My work is like a story that only comes into existence as I write it. I immerse myself into this new world and imagine what this place would look like, and only then do I come back and wonder if the glazes I have can begin to match what I just saw. The gravity of clay is a particular characteristic I'm always thinking about and enjoy researching mediums that contrast this. I enjoy using smoke, incense, clouds, lights, bioluminescent mediums and other weightless imagery to compliment the clay to further create a sense of magic. I've recently begun to explore the implementation of different mediums into my work as well as experimenting with concepts in 2D media.
Instagram: @karella257
View the Collection
Karelis Ruiz A Bubbly Curve ceramics (2022)
Karelis Ruiz A Siren's Retreat ceramics (2021)
Karelis Ruiz A Triptych of My Universe 2D mixed media (2022)
Karelis Ruiz Fayetta's Garden clay, mixed media (2022)
Karelis Ruiz Wisteria Mysteria clay, mixed media (2022)