Artist Statement

I love the experience of shaping clay into functional and beautiful pieces of art. 

Making pieces that feel good to hold and touch is an integral part of my practice. I achieve this by shaping and carving each vessel to engage tactile senses. Often, the surface of my work is left unglazed to highlight the humble beauty of clay. 

I am intrigued by how clay moves with each push and pull. I alter both wheel-thrown and handbuilt pieces by creating folds, divots, and by cutting away bits of clay to give a sculptural life to functional forms. Having grown up in a culture where everyday objects were crafted and used, as I make each piece, I think about how it might be used and cherished. I make vases that can stand alone as art with or without flowers; I carefully carve and alter mugs so your fingers can nestle against the warmth of your beverage; I tenderly add feet to bowls so the rounded bottom is accentuated; and I undulate the rims of vessels so that viewers are rewarded from every angle. 

With each mark, the look and feel of a piece can shift dramatically. Whether I have carved and shaped a piece for a few minutes, hours, or days, the look and patterns can never be replicated. The moment has chosen what the finished product will be.

In an era where everything is fast-paced and products are mass-produced, 

I am committed to continuing an age-old process of handcrafting ceramic pieces and taking time to truly appreciate the pleasure of making something unique and special. 

 

BIO:

Kate Pak is a studio potter who lives in Decatur, Georgia. She holds a BA in Communications from the University of Washington and began her career in public affairs before transitioning to graphic design. Throughout her professional journey, she has held various roles that blend communications with the visual arts, working as both a designer and an art director. Kate’s journey into ceramics began in 2016, and since then, she has participated in numerous juried and invitational shows at both the national and regional levels. Kate is currently a Resident Artist at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.