Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karli Pendergraft. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Karli, thanks for joining us today. Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job?

The most important lesson I learned at a prior job was asking for help when needed. In the past, I’ve struggled with delegating tasks, and tried to tackle as much as possible regardless of my stress level. One time, I was falling short at work and had taken on extra projects. There were several deadlines approaching that I wasn’t capable of completing on my own. I broke down in the middle of a work day, and my coworkers and manager stepped in to help. Initially I was embarrassed, but then I felt a huge sense of relief. I needed help, and everyone was happy to pitch in. Communicating my needs has been key to operating successfully at work. I learned to notice when I was taking on too much, and that it was okay to ask for support.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a ceramic artist currently residing in Asheville, North Carolina. I received a BFA in Studio Art from Appalachian State University in 2018. During that time, I found my love for clay, while experimenting with different artistic mediums. Clay caught my attention because of its physicality and the possibility it has to be sculpted into any form imaginable. Each of my pieces are created using a technique called coil building. This allows the clay to shift and transform as it comes to life. I create my surfaces by intentionally layering glazes to enhance the form.

As I work, the piece experiences the energy I am feeling in real time throughout my process. My work is inspired by the intricacy and vastness of the natural world. I often think of the many similarities and synchronicities of life, both physical and emotional. There isn’t one specific aspect I draw inspiration from, but rather a collection of observations and memories I have experienced over time. My work is a collection of whimsical pieces that could be found in dream-like landscapes. I welcome the viewer to explore where their own imagination drifts to as they experience each piece.

I am a member of Odyssey Gallery of Ceramic Arts, which is an artist collective in the River Arts District of Asheville, North Carolina. I feel very lucky to have found such a welcoming community. The support and guidance from the many friends and mentors I’ve crossed paths with have been an essential part of growth in my career. I will forever be thankful that I found clay and have been able to sustain a creative life as a professional artist.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

When I first joined a community ceramic studio after undergrad, I was nervous to create in an unfamiliar environment outside the safety of academia. I put pressure on myself to make work that was profitable, and took note of what was successfully selling amongst my peers. I quickly realized that sculptural work, like mine, moved much slower than functional work. Customers seemed to gravitate towards mugs and dinnerware, and rarely purchased large sculptural forms. For several months, I tried to pivot and fit my work inside the box I thought was necessary for success. This felt forced, because it was. Eventually, I returned to creating pieces that felt natural to make. When I stopped letting comparison prevent me from producing authentic work, there was a positive response from the customers. This experience taught me that when I’m passionate about what I’m creating, that energy is evident in my work.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe the best way to build a reputation within your market is by taking time to foster meaningful connections. In the busy world we live in, time is one of our most valuable resources. Sharing intentional moments with the people in your orbit is notable. Even when my time is stretched thin and my energy is low, I aim to stay present when engaging with those around me. Having conversations that go a step farther than the typical “Hi, how are you?” can make simple interactions more impactful. Whether I am processing sales for customers, chatting with fellow artisans at a market, or meeting people in my community, I enjoy hearing what others have to share. When given the opportunity to connect beyond surface level, I’ve seen the benefit of spending that extra moment to engage.

Contact Info:

• Website: Kpendergraft.com
• Instagram: Kpendergraft_art

Image Credits
Rudy Aguilar