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Art medium(s): Clay!

How do you describe your art? I love to keep my claywork looking clean and lovely in a simplistic way—to add elegance to a space without distracting.

Were you always interested in following a creative path? Oh, I don’t think so, I’m still always asking what I should be doing with my life. One nice thing about art is that it can be something you do, while doing anything else as well. It can be as primary or secondary as you need it to be depending on different stages of life.

What does your “day-in-the-life” look like? Days in the studio include a lot of mess and clean up! Mostly, it’s hours of throwing at the wheel, trimming, handles, glazing and firing the kiln.

Where do you get your creative inspiration? Innovation out of necessity, figuring out ways to improve my skill and better my processes often determines the direction I take. I can be inspired by a pretty picture too!

Why do you love what you do? It can be satisfying to see a full table at the end of the day and have something real to hold when your work is done. The highlight of a potter’s day is anytime you get to pop open a full kiln and see the finished fruits of your labor.

One thing most people don’t know about being an artist, in your opinion: That most people who create constantly question and doubt themselves. It seems magical to people when they see me create, and they are mesmerized by the moving clay. But at the end of the day, as dreamy as it may seem, it is also a lot of work and involves all of the day-to-day toil of any profession.

Early bird or night owl? I’m a mom, so I’m up early and late each day. I make sure I get my siesta in the afternoons!

Last movie you watched or book you read: Last movie: The Polka King with Jack Black.

Is the glass half full or half empty? That depends if you are in the process of filling it up or drinking it down.

What makes you happiest: Calm, quiet, sunshine, kid cuddles, mopeds, travel, naps, orchards, snorkeling, curry and chocolate.

Find Kate at her studio on the north side of Appleton (message her on social media for an appointment!), follow her on Etsy and Instagram @whitechapelpottery and stop in at Seth’s Coffee to discover various items on the shelf.