Artwork copyright Carol Gouthro. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1998.

Coloured Leaves, 1997

Carol Gouthro
American Canadian (born 1952)

Location: Edison Elementary School, Tacoma

About the Artwork

Coloured Leaves is a vase by ceramic artist Carol Gouthro. It is part of a series of vessels that combine classical forms and decorative motifs and imagery. The artist is interested in creating complex forms with expressive and complicated surfaces. She notes, "In this vase I used strong color, texture, disparate imagery, and trompe l'oeil to evoke an emotional response from the viewer." "Tromp l'oeil" is a French term used to describe imagery that looks so real that it tricks the eye.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools.

About the Artist

Seattle-based ceramic artist Carol Gouthro creates sculptural vessels that explore natural forms, patterns, and textures.
Gouthro was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Ceramics from the University of Manitoba School Of Art in 1976. Shortly after graduating, she moved to Seattle and began working at Pottery Northwest as a studio artist for the next 7 years. Gouthro has worked as a practicing studio artist and ceramics instructor for over 35 years. Her artworks are included in many books, museums, and private collections.