St. Theresa

Copied Elena Karina, St. Theresa, 1979, glazed porcelain, 914 in. (22.935.5 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1980.99

Artwork Details

Title
St. Theresa
Artist
Date
1979
Dimensions
914 in. (22.935.5 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Museum purchase
Mediums
Mediums Description
glazed porcelain
Classifications
Object Number
1980.99

Artwork Description

Elena Karina used a variety of techniques such as casting, carving, and impressing the clay to create porcelain sculptures that simulate the marine life found in the tide pools on California beaches. She bisque fired each piece first, which changes the clay into a ceramic material and allows for the addition of stains and underglazes without risk of damaging the object during the higher temperature glaze firing. In St. Theresa, the undulating exterior paired with the threateningly sharp interior creates the illusion of a creature emerging from its home in a bed of coral. While the origin of the title of this piece is unclear, Karina once explained how she names her sculptures: "I make the pieces first and the title comes later. Each piece has a definite character, so I try to choose a name that fits." (Elena Karina: New Porcelain Vessels & Drawings, Everson Museum of Art, 1979)