Influential ceramist, jeweler and collector Carol Ann Sarkisian (b. December 22, 1936) passed away in Santa Fe after a long illness on January 12, 2013. As part of the Pasadena art scene of the 1960s, she and her husband Paul Sarkisian played important roles in the burgeoning contemporary scene in Los Angeles and started the Aura Gallery along with Richard Pettibone and George Herms. Their close friends at that time included Walter Hopps, Peter Voulkos, Paul Soldner and John Mason.

In this social context Sarkisian challenged the definition of ceramics and broke free from the idea of ceramics as vessel. During this period her work became known for sculptural concerns that explored architecture forms, popular culture and ironic juxtapositions. Her experimental ceramics were also reflected through a circle of friends that included artists Ed Kienholz, Wallace Berman, Billy Al Bengston and John Altoon along with physicist Richard Feynman, filmmaker Stan Brackhage and actor Dean Stockwell.

In a radical shift, Sarkisian became fascinated with Pomo baskets. She studied with master weaver Elsie Allen and became a basketry conservator. Her interest in Native arts expanded to include Dine (Navajo) weavings and Pueblo pottery. An inveterate collector, her interests also included vintage toys, model cars and cool knickknacks. The Sarkisian house/studio became an expression of diverse interests.

In 1971 the family moved to the Santa Fe area. The Sarkisians became friends with Georgia O'Keeffe, and Carol sewed a number of O'Keeffe's iconic black garments. Sarkisian's work expanded in New Mexico as she experimented with textiles, painting and cast bronze.

Sarkisian continued the lifelong explorations she began in Los Angeles. Model railroad accessories became glittering objects that defied simple categorization as sculpture, jewelry, popular culture or kitsch. She became known for objects that she transformed with cut glass and rhinestones into pieces that bridged the mundane and the exalted.

During her 58-year-long career, Sarkisian exhibited at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, The Corcoran Museum of Art in Washington, The Pasadena Art Museum, La Jolla Art Center, The New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe and the Harwood Foundation in Taos.

Perhaps Sarkisian's most important achievement was breaking the rigid distinctions between Mayan, Egyptian and European American arts and between contemporary and "decorative" art. She trusted her intellect, her eye and her hand to make lasting contributions that crossed aesthetic divides. She is survived by her husband Paul, who continues to work, and by her son Peter, a video artist.

Carol Sarkisian was an artist's artist, not to be forgotten.

Image: Carol Sarkisian working in her SMFA studio, 1962