Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kmkpottery
Website: https://www.kathyknaptonpottery.com/
I’ve always liked working with my hands. There’s a wonderful sense of connection in physical touch that I find so gratifying. Whether throwing or carving clay, weeding in the garden, peeling an orange or simply folding laundry, it makes me happy to bring a sense of order and beauty to whatever’s in front of me. Nature is my muse with its mesmerizing energy and contrasting colors. And it moves me when something I create touches something in you.
I started as a hobby potter, taking weekly classes at a local studio where I was blessed to have amazing and inspiring teachers/friends who gave me the freedom to find my flow. I knew early on that I was most comfortable creating one-of-a-kind pieces that took me to another place when I carved. I embraced the freedom, the absence of creative pressure, and made the most of the community space experience.
After being guided to look deeper while working with certain (angel wish) pots, something shifted, and the connection to everything I created expanded. I acknowledged the transfer of love from the clay to my hands, from my heart to the clay, and it felt like an initiation into something almost holy. Sounds a little dramatic, but it was that powerful! I acknowledged the purpose in each step and trusted the partnership with live materials that real magic entails.
Creating became an honor, a privilege, no longer just a hobby. I started to feel more responsible for what I was contributing to the world, and had an urge to share some of the freedom I experience when I just surrender to the practice. I let go of the need to measure up or conform to the opinions, timelines and work of others , and found my peace in the process.
Moving to Asheville in late 2017 finally meant my own personal studio space, and the ability to create whenever it moves me. It’s here I continue to discover myself and what I’m capable of becoming/creating/sharing.
