BIO

Frank Kara is a potter with a purpose. By combining his passion for music and design, he creates simple, organic and evocative forms from clay, as varied as Udu drums, Japanese bells, sculpture, and functional vessels such as ceremonial teapots and tea bowls.

Growing up in a family of artists, art was in Frank’s blood. Naturally-gifted and initially self-taught, he discovered ceramics in high school. After his first encounter with the potter’s wheel and throwing, Frank never forgot the ensuing feeling of complete creative freedom and an immediate sense of gratification.

Following high school, Frank pursued his other passion – percussion. While attending the Berklee School of Music in Boston, he began to explore the shapes and sounds of indigenous instruments, and was fascinated by them. After Berklee, Frank went to work with his father at the family’s sign shop, and at the same time continued to perform music and explore various types of percussion instruments.

One night after he saw a percussionist playing an Udu clay pot at a concert, he decided to make one. With a renewed sense of purpose he returned to the world of ceramics and began making drums with his own hands – drums he could play and perform with. After a series of workshops and classes Frank knew he had honed his skills required to complete his goal – to take his new path as a potter.

Frank Kara’s pottery started in the raku style; and includes wood-fired. Over the years, he has expanded into decorative and functional vessels, wedding vessels and ceremonial tea sets. Frank’s latest pieces incorporate many of the invaluable woodworking & metal skills he acquired throughout his life journeys as a craftsman.

EXHIBITIONS & PRESS

● Pop Up Art Bethel, Bethel CT
● Sonart Gallery, Woodstock NY
● “From Mud to Music,” by Barry Hall, American Ceramic Society
● News-Times, Danbury CT
● Bethel Art Walk, Bethel CT
● Hammond Museum, permanent installation , Katonah NY
● Bethel Magazine, Bethel CT
● Sleepy Cat Farm, permanent installation, Greenwich Ct A Gardener’s Journey, Sleepy Cat Farm
Foundation, the monacelli press 2021
● 068 Magazine 2023
● Mark Twain Library 1st Place Sculpture 2023
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
My intention for my work is that it embodies the simple, ancient and rustic with uncompromised expression and soul. Whenever I achieve the perfect balance in a piece I am astonished by how others are naturally drawn to it. They’re able to perceive, feel, and resonate with the essence of what I have created.

Frank Kara, Karaku Pottery ▫ 32 Dittmar Road ▫ Bethel, CT ▫ 06801 frank@karakupottery.com

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