My work is an experimental and playful exploration of the material properties of the local natural and industrial landscape.
I primarily work in ceramic, and am particularly drawn to functional ceramics which offer gentler and simpler ways of interacting with the world. I favour processes where the result is somewhat unpredictable, and depends on the interaction between material and maker.
- Creative Producer: read about my projects
- Artist-maker: gallery and info
- Ceramics teaching: details about my classes
- Creative facilitator: workshops I’ve delivered etc
About
I’ve been concentrating on my creative practice over the past three years since moving to the Calder Valley. Before that, I was a civil servant in London and spent whatever spare time I had in a members’ pottery studio. My former professional experience as a product manager in digital service delivery for central government gave me ample experience of project management, user research, stakeholder engagement and a strong commitment to user-centred design, which still informs my approach. I’m very drawn to the practices and principles of permaculture, and I did a Permaculture Design Certificate in 2020.
I have an Art Foundation from Camberwell College (2004-5, Distinction) but am largely self-taught, learning from peers and taking short courses when I can.
I make small batches of ceramics and sell my work in shops, events and markets in the Calder Valley. My work is increasingly oriented towards material experimentation, using local materials whether from the landscape or waste streams from local businesses.
I teach ceramics from my home studio, developing small, intimate classes where it’s often just as much about the community as it is the ceramics. I’ve also designed and delivered workshops for local organisations.
Being an active and giving member of the community matters to me: I’m fortunate to be a member of Brier Hey Pottery and am a former Trustee and still-active Friend of The Local Motive, a former railway station building for which we secured hundreds of thousands of pounds to turn it into a community-arts centre.
I established Turquoise Arts in 2023 with two local artists and have delivered two creative projects through the organisation, both focused on drawing attention to the precious habitats and species of the local landscape.
See more at instagram/katiebates_ceramics
Turquoise Arts 