Kate Maury

Artist Statement

Clay has the ability to reveal the passions of life.

Within my journey as an artist the pursuit of functional ware that transcended time has given way to the intoxicating revelry of the aesthetic drunk. The formal elements of functional ware and the systematic approach within the throwing process are still deeply cherished however they are now backdrop for the overtly decorative. Centerpieces for the celebratory moments are made from repurposed craft hobby molds that embellish surfaces or construct aspects of the vessel. Who knew the repetitive application of sprigs from a holiday Santa series could hold such innate potential for rhythmic elements on a form? From my studio, much laughter ensues.

My formal education has informed my current work despite my best efforts. I have been fortunate to learn from those who appreciated historic pottery, asked dynamic questions and understood the inherent beauty of the creative journey. Throughout my pursuits as an artist, questions of “how” transformed into “why” and through much discourse now reverberate back “why not”.

The strong foundation of undergraduate studies with the open-ended questions of graduate school challenged by the daily discourse of life have made all assumptions suspect. The good Catholic daughter has suddenly become the irreverent run-away. I am on my lost weekend with no plan to return home. I want only the visual pleasures, abundance of texture, tactility and lushness of excess.

-- Kate Maury