Frank Kara is a potter with a purpose. Blending his love of music and design, he shapes simple, organic, and evocative forms from clay—ranging from Udu drums and Japanese bells to sculpture and functional vessels like ceremonial teapots and tea bowls.

Art has always been part of Frank’s life. Raised in a family of artists, he was naturally gifted and largely self-taught until discovering ceramics in high school. The moment he sat at the potter’s wheel, he felt a profound creative freedom and an instant sense of gratification that stayed with him.

After high school, Frank pursued his other passion: percussion. During his time at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, he became fascinated by the shapes and sounds of indigenous instruments. After graduating, he worked with his father in the family sign shop while continuing to perform and experiment with percussion.

Everything changed after seeing a percussionist play an Udu clay pot in concert. Inspired, Frank set out to make one himself. That experience pulled him back into ceramics, this time with a new purpose—to create instruments he could play. Through workshops and classes, he refined his skills and committed fully to his path as a potter.

Frank’s early work centered on raku and wood-fired techniques. Over the years, he has expanded into decorative and functional vessels, wedding pieces, and ceremonial tea sets. His latest work brings together his lifelong craft skills, integrating elements of woodworking and metalwork into his evolving ceramic practice.