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About Me
Aloha! My name is Karen Bendtsen.
My love for ceramics began in childhood, watching my grandmother run her kitchen ceramic shop in Hong Kong. Surrounded by functional, handmade pieces, I learned early on how art can enrich everyday life. Thirteen years later, I continue that spirit in my own work—creating mugs, bowls, and dishes meant to be used, loved, and enjoyed.
With life as busy as it is, I wanted to offer a class where anyone can experience the joy of making without the time or technical skill of wheel throwing. Most don’t realize how much they’ll enjoy working with clay until they try—it’s grounding, and surprisingly soothing. My hand-building workshops give students a welcoming space to slow down, get creative, and shape something meaningful in just a couple of hours. Through both my ceramics and teaching, I hope to inspire others to rediscover creativity, give clay a try, and find joy in the simple moments—a morning coffee in a handmade mug or a meal served in a one-of-a-kind bowl.
Stained Glass
In addition to ceramics, I also enjoy working with stained glass, a craft that lets me play with light, color, and delicate detail. Creating Tiffany-style lamps has become a meaningful hobby—each one pieced together slowly, almost like a puzzle made of glass and glow. It offers a different kind of meditative joy, and I love how the finished lamps bring warmth and artistry into a space. This practice continues to deepen my appreciation for handmade work in all its forms.
Fused Glass
I also enjoy working with fused glass, a craft that blends color, heat, and design to create functional pieces much like my ceramics. From plates and trays to small decorative accents, fused glass allows me to play with transparency and texture while still creating objects meant to be used and enjoyed. I love how this medium shares the same spirit as clay—turning simple materials into everyday pieces that bring a touch of artistry to daily life.