Capturing Nature’s Beauty

Throughout July we are presenting the hand-painted ceramics of Elizabeth Karaffa. Elizabeth will be at the opening reception on Saturday, July 8 from 3-5 p.m.

Elizabeth Karaffa graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.F.A. in painting and printmaking. Though she has painted all her life, for over fifteen years she has concentrated on painting tiles and porcelain. She participates in arts and crafts shows across Virginia, teaches art classes for gifted children, and creates custom artwork. Her tile designs are installed in kitchens and bathrooms throughout the state.

Elizabeth’s tiles are layered with color. After the initial painting, they are fired in a kiln reaching 1,400 degrees, cooled, painted and fired again – a process repeated up to five times to achieve the desired depth of color and detail. The paints, made from powdered porcelain glazes mixed with oil, fuse to the tile’s surface during firing. Each tile is the result not only of creative inspiration, but also of careful craftsmanship.

Meeting new people and sharing in their artistic vision is a benefit of custom artwork. Elizabeth enjoys getting to know her customers and working to incorporate their personal taste into her designs.

Inspired by the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, Elizabeth’s favorite pastime is walking through the woods and fields near her home, seeking new subject matter for her paintings. She resides in historic Staunton, Virginia, with her husband, Tom, and Pembroke Corgi, Dewy. They have six children and five grandchildren.