Interview | Ceramics With Resident Artist Katherine Moes
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Dear Society is not only home to a collection of well-curated designers and wears, but a sanctuary to local artists and creatives in and around Kansas City. Our commitment extends beyond fashion, as we strive to foster a vibrant community where the spirit of creativity thrives. By providing this platform, we aim to showcase the diverse talents that enrich our cultural ecosystem and extend beyond the traditional landscape of a retail space.
In this edition, the magic of the holiday season permeates our conversation with resident ceramic artist, Katherine Moes, as she takes us back in time where her artistic journey began with a simple Christmas gift – a ceramics class. Little did she know that this simple gesture would be setting in motion a universe of creativity waiting to be unleashed.
Aside from her unbelievably cool hair and laid-back nature, Katherine Moes captivates us with her innate skill for channeling tranquility and grounded energy into her creations. Some structures evoke the serene balance of river rocks stacked, emphasizing the interplay and inquisitive spirit within us all. Her art serves as a testament to the coexistence of nature, curiosity, and the human experience, creating a captivating narrative that goes beyond just visual appeal.
We had the pleasure of asking Katherine a few questions to dive into her artistic process, explore the wellsprings of inspiration that fuel her creativity, and uncover the realms her mind explores when immersed in a state of flow.
"There are no words in my head; only a clear mind trying to intuit the next motion for my piece."
WHAT IS YOUR SUN, MOON, AND RISING SIGN?
Aquarius sun, Aquarius moon, Capricorn rising.
WHAT LEAD YOU INTO WORKING WITH CERAMICS?
In my first year of high school I randomly took a ceramics class. From that point on I took as many ceramics classes as I could for an elective. I just loved the material and creating. I didn’t have any thought of studying ceramics, I just enjoyed it. At the time of graduation I briefly considered going to a local university with a ceramics program but I could not see a future for me there. I wasn’t interested in teaching and I didn’t know any full time artists so it didn’t seem like a realistic option for me.
"Fast forward thirteen years, I was gifted a ceramics class as a Christmas present."
I was so surprised how much my hands had remembered from high school, so starting over didn’t fully feel like I was starting from zero. I took classes for a year and enjoyed the effects of time spent in the studio. Ceramics came at just the right time as my little kids were starting school. While they were at school I would go to the studio. Having been a stay-at-home mom I was able to transition to an artist-at-home quite easily. Since 2017, I’ve been making and selling my ceramic work first to friends and now to a wider audience.
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR STYLE AND PROCESS?
My style is soft and earthy. I like to keep my shapes simple and organic. I have been drawn to round soft curves and envy the perfection of a water tumbled river rock. The majority of my work is wheel thrown. My stacking cairn (rock) pieces are thrown hollow pieces that I manipulate to stack and fit nicely together. My larger coil vases are built by hand with snake like coils. I like to leave a texture made by my fingers all the way up the piece or sometimes I will use stamps that I have made to create a texture.
TELLS US YOUR INSPIRATION BEHIND THE CAIRN XXV?
My cairns often start off as a sketch. I will make free forming clusters and towers of shapes in my notebook. Some will stay in the book and some will make their way into clay form. I’m enjoying a tall base these days, a bit of a pedestal and lift from the ground.
"It reminds me of what people have been doing for thousands of years..."
Then a little collection of river rock shapes stacked on top of one another. It reminds me of what people have been doing for thousands of years stacking rocks to mark trails, identify locations, or use as a grave marker.
WHERE DOES YOUR MIND GO WHEN WORKING WITH CERAMICS?
When I’m working and allow myself space to explore I will often look at my mood board. On it I have collections of big round pieces, spheres, heavy rock textures, earth ship homes, curves of the female form, and vases from ancient Egypt or Greece.
And in my most recent flow state I needed quiet. I needed it because I think I am creating an extra sensitive space between me and my work. There are no words in my head; only a clear mind trying to intuit the next motion for my piece.
WHAT POSITIVE CHANGE DO YOU WISH TO SEE HAPPEN IN SOCIETY?
I have gotten a lot of value from learning about the Enneagram, some say its more than a personality tool; I am a number 9- Peacemaker. I share this because I’m probably answering from the place of a peacemaker.
I wish we, as a society, could show each other more grace. I wish we could listen to each other without jumping to conclusions. I wish we could listen and not be thinking about what we will say when its our turn to speak. I think it is such a gift when a person can feel seen, even if we don’t agree with them but have attempted to understand.
Each person is different and carries with them their own unique history and dreams. I would love to attempt to create a space of non-judgement for a person. When that space happens it allows a person to be authentically themselves, it creates a safe space. It also helps remove elements of shame and fear which don’t create positive actions in society.
Katherine's work is on display and available for purchase in shop and online.