Kate Marotz

Artist Statement

“The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.” 
- William Morris

Making functional work brings art into people’s lives in an intimate manner that helps to disrupt the daily routine. Throughout my day I find pleasure in selecting pots to interact with, this experience is different every day and brings attention and joy to otherwise repetitive experiences.

I make pinched stoneware objects that combine sculptural qualities with functional ware. This is one of the important dichotomies that influence this work and may therefore make the forms both familiar and unfamiliar to the user, bringing genuine interest to the details of daily life through their use. The process used to create each object is evident in the final surface, increasing the tactile quality of each object and making the work approachable and a little playful. Tension is created by handles compressing forms or the visual weight of one layer pressing down on another. The organic forms are inspired by chrysalides, shells, seed pods, and other vessels created by nature. Every vantage point of each piece is different, inviting the user to handle and investigate every object. Some pieces are rather tame, while others verge on precarious.

Modern designs influence the final terra sigillata surface that wraps around layers and connects the interior to the exterior. Subtle patterns are only visible upon close inspection, while speckling is reminiscent of concrete or stone. 

The objects are both natural and man-made, functional and sculptural, familiar and unfamiliar. 

Bio

Kate grew up in Marshfield, Wisconsin before attending UW-Stout where she earned a BFA with an emphasis in Ceramics and a BS in Art Education. She has been teaching high school art since 2015 while switching from throwing to hand building techniques and from porcelain to stoneware. Kate lives in Marshfield, WI with her spouse, Tim Bergelin, who is also a teacher and artist.