“I want to go on a trip that will change my life.”
That simple declaration, made over a decade ago, forever changed the lives of Mark Klammer and Sarah Carleton.
It was in the dead of winter and the couple’s tiny hamlet in upstate New York lay draped in icicles. Mark’s lament struck a cord with Sarah. To his surprise, she suggested a trip to Key West. As the Southernmost City in the United Sates, Key West was as far south as you could get from their cold northern abode without leaving the continent. Tired of the gloom, Mark and Sarah packed their bags.
And, as the saying goes, the rest is history. Soon thereafter, the two award-winning artists laid down their island roots and opened a working art gallery in Key West’s eclectic Old Town neighborhood
Specializing in contemporary artisan ceramics and fine art photography, Mark and Sarah aptly named their new digs “Shade Ceramics and Shutter Photography.”
Since moving to the island, Mark has developed a new style influenced by the bucolic chic atmosphere and cool color palette of Key West. Modern shapes and rustic finishes are his hallmark and he now focuses on sculpting functional ceramics. Mark’s artful collection of bowls, platters, pitchers, wine coolers, and other utilitarian designs, are all one-off and
beautifully organic. One of his most popular designs is the eclectic Key West mug. Crafted by hand, each piece is uniquely its own with slight variations in color and size. Mark’s
exclusive line of mugs are food-safe, microwave-safe, oven-safe, and dishwasher-safe.
Sarah, an acclaimed photographer, loves shooting on location at Key West’s historic Ft Zachary. Mother Nature is Sarah’s muse and she’s renowned for her vibrant nature photography. Her keen use of light and distinctive interpretations artfully transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Especially stunning are Sarah’s large format prints which she preserves on recycled aluminum.
If you’re looking for a really, really special piece of paradise to take home with you, check out Mark and Sarah’s fabulous works at Shade Ceramics and Shutter Photography. The working studio and retail gallery is open M – Sa from 11 am – 5 pm at 1102 White St, Key West. Info: 305-767-3769; shadeandshutterkeywest.com.
