Growing up on a farm in New York’s Finger Lakes area with “back to the land” parents shaped Kala Stein’s appreciation for the earth and set the tone for her socially conscious art.
Atmospheric River, 80" x 147". Photo credit: Garrett Rowland Currency, 12.5" x 2.25". Photo credit: Steven Krause Kala in studio with her Belgian Malinois Vida. Photo credit: Kelly Brothers Sierra Melt Diptych, 40.5" x 26.25". Photo credit: Steven Krause Tile in Hand (Atmospheric River Detail). Photo credit: Kelly Brothers Ghost Water, 73" x 60". Photo credit: Steven Krause
Today, the Sonoma, Calif.-based Stein is best known for her large-scale ceramic wall installations that convey messages about the natural world.
“For me, the natural world is a spiritual place I turn to to get refilled,” Stein explains. “I want my work to speak for it. I hope that when people experience my art, they get a sense of awe and wonder from the expressive material and inspire a connection to the natural world and our precarious situation.”
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Atmospheric River, 80" x 147". Photo credit: Garrett Rowland Currency, 12.5" x 2.25". Photo credit: Steven Krause Kala in studio with her Belgian Malinois Vida. Photo credit: Kelly Brothers Sierra Melt Diptych, 40.5" x 26.25". Photo credit: Steven Krause Tile in Hand (Atmospheric River Detail). Photo credit: Kelly Brothers Ghost Water, 73" x 60". Photo credit: Steven Krause
One of Stein’s favorite pieces is her recent “Atmospheric River.” Made in direct response to the atmospheric river that hit northern California on Jan. 4, 2022, the large piece comprises 100 studio-glazed tiles. Stein worked with a satellite image of the weather event and used the ceramic process, with its cracking, melting and flowing properties, as a metaphor for climate change.
Illustrating her abstract and modern style, her wall installations grace wineries, hotels and gallery walls. As a former adjunct professor and director of ceramics and art for the Sonoma Community Center, Stein enjoys teaching the craft of ceramics worldwide. This summer, she will lead a workshop at La Meridiana in Tuscany, Italy.
Stein, who says her favorite pieces are the ones she’s either working on or planning for, is debuting a new line of sculptural baskets this spring that are perfect for the stylish and eco-conscious consumer’s table or countertop.
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Atmospheric River, 80" x 147". Photo credit: Garrett Rowland Currency, 12.5" x 2.25". Photo credit: Steven Krause Kala in studio with her Belgian Malinois Vida. Photo credit: Kelly Brothers Sierra Melt Diptych, 40.5" x 26.25". Photo credit: Steven Krause Tile in Hand (Atmospheric River Detail). Photo credit: Kelly Brothers Ghost Water, 73" x 60". Photo credit: Steven Krause
“I love that this functional art is an easy way to share art and connect with people,” Stein remarks. “They see a basket and know how to understand and relate to it immediately.”
The new sculptural baskets are available via her website. Her studio is located in the popular Sonoma Plaza in downtown Sonoma and is open by appointment.
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