EVAMARIE PAPPAS

Evamarie Pappas began art school as a painter but quickly switched to clay. She found sculpting exciting and addicting and was inspired by the often unexpected results. Organic in form, Eva's sculptures take on the appearance of worn ocean stones, seashells, and seedpods that have washed to shore. She draws inspiration from the forests, gardens, and sea that surrounds her Florida home.

For Evamarie Pappas, making art is a family affair. She lives and works in the Florida home with her husband, Gary Oglander, an abstract painter. The pair, who met while Evamarie was studying art at Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida, frequently collaborate on ceramic works.

"We critique each other honestly; 
there was never a competition between us."

"I would say I'm most influenced by nature. I often think about a plant or a seed pod. I think about how they might move or grow." - Evamarie is also an avid gardener and considers It as an extension of her artistic practice.

"Once I start, I put everything out of my mind and let [a piece] become what it wants to become" - Evamarie Pappas

Evamarie might start with a sketch or a general idea, but mostly her process is intuitive and unconscious.

As a painter, she was incredibly meticulous and tight with her work. She says that she drove herself crazy. Clay gave her spontaneity and freedom that she hadn't experienced with paint. For years, Eva longed for the feeling that clay gave her, and now she has dedicated herself full time to her practice.

I am so drawn to the biomorphic shapes of Evamarie's work. They make me feel calm and inspired at the same time. I have a growing personal collection and am so excited to offer her work to the LES Community!