Karen Massaro
Karen Massaro creates a wide range of decorative and functional ceramics, including plates, mugs, cups, and bowls.  Karen's work combines simplicity of form with a variety of  subtle decorative elements. Karen pays special attention to small details that make each piece unique.  Her cups and bowls are accented with tiny, strategically placed motifs, some simple and metallic, and others more complex, like tiny logos or tattoos. 
Karen's studio is large and well organized.  Her home looks out over the western Santa Cruz suburbs, and a sweeping view of Monterey bay. Karen has shown in Santa Cruz since 1967, and her work clearly shows the depth of her experience as an artist. 
 
 
   
 
Karen's vessels appear influenced by Japanese or Chinese ceramic forms.  Their contours are simple, but also elegant and subtly curvaceous.  Her glazes range through a variety of rich and lustrous earth tones that are restful to the eye.  Karen also uses linear repetitive marks around rims and on the lips of many pieces that are reminiscent of Japanese calligraphy.  
Karen with a grouping of hand painted centerpieces.  These pieces combine the recognizable forms of  fruit into balanced geometric compositions.

Email Karen at: Karen@fuzzy.ucsc.edu