Bio

Kara "Zuzu" Zupancic is a Pittsburgh-based ceramic sculptor whose work is deeply rooted in the natural world, storytelling, and personal experience. After receiving her BA in Studio Art and Art Education from Saint Vincent College in 2007 and an MA in Art Education from Edinboro University in 2012, she spent over a decade as a professional arts educator. In 2020, Kara made the pivotal decision to transition fully into her own artistic practice, devoting herself to ceramics and sculpture.

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Zuzu’s work ranges from intricately hand-sculpted functional pieces, such as embellished mugs, to large-scale sculptures. Her creations are inspired by animals, nature, and personal narratives, allowing each piece to convey a unique story. While largely self-taught, she continually hones her skills through workshops with esteemed artists, including a transformative experience in Bali, Indonesia, where she studied under Alessandro Gallo.

In 2022, Kara completed her first artist residency at the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, and she is currently in a prestigious three-year advanced mentorship program at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, led by renowned artists Del Harrow and Ebitenyefa Baralaye. She remains an active member of the Pittsburgh Society of Sculptors, the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, and the National Sculpture Society, maintaining strong connections with both local and national art communities.

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Nature plays a vital role in Zuzu’s artistic inspiration. The creatures she sculpts are often those she encounters in everyday life, each chosen for the emotional resonance they evoke. Her work invites viewers to explore deeper layers of meaning, using animals as a calming and approachable entry point for reflection and multiple perspectives. Zuzu’s sculptures transcend the surface, offering moments of mindfulness and introspection, inviting audiences into a shared narrative of connection and self-discovery.