When did you start your creative practice and why?
From early childhood I have always loved making things and anything art related. I have dabbled all my adult life then in 2005 took the plunge and did a Fine Art degree. This opened the door, introducing me to many materials, skills, working methods and creative people. It wasn’t until 2012 that I began to explore and experiment with clay and then in 2016 started exhibiting and selling my work.
How would you describe your artistic style to someone unfamiliar with your work?
Expressive, free, natural, organic, rustic.
What themes or ideas do you find yourself returning to most often?
Structures found in nature, rock formations in the Peak District, ancient stone carvings, spirals and twists.
What is your creative process from idea to finished piece is it always the same?
It is usually the same process.
1.Initial inspiration.
2. Further development through drawing, research, maquettes.
3. Maquettes enlarged, tweaked allowed to develop away from the original source/inspiration
4. Repetition, using different clays and scale.
5.Continued until feel idea is fully explored and then often a new idea might emerge from this process.
6. After months or years may return to the same theme with new ideas.
Is there a particular piece of yours that feels especially meaningful? Why?
Ringill, a circular sculpture that was made for an exhibition at the Millenium Galleries in Sheffield in 2016. It was made of red clay and had links to the millstones on the Peaks and the city centre architecture especially the arcs of the Winter garden roof structure. I’ve never sold the original Ringill.
What do you find challenging as an artist, and how do you overcome these challenges?
Finding the balance between making what is in your heart and head and making what might sell.
Do you ever have creative blocks, how do you keep motivated?
Yes. I usually have several ideas and pieces of work on the go at one time which can help. Other things I do is take a break, don’t worry, look back through sketchbooks to unfinished ideas. Usually just making anything triggers ideas.
How does your immediate environment or location play in your work?
My garden is a big influence, observing daily changes and the minutiae of this environment.
Who are the artists (past or present) who have strongly influenced you?
Many – currently I’m re visiting the works of M.C Escher as I explore tessellating shapes inspired by Scottish Pictish carvings.
How has your style or perspective evolved over time?
Each new series builds on the last and themes are often returned to with new insights
gained.
What tools, materials, or techniques are essential to your practice? Is there a colour you just couldnot do without?
Hands.Constructing and carving clay. Natural colour and texture of clay I find more interesting than glazed pieces.
How do you balance artistic expression with practical concerns like income or marketing, social media?
With difficulty – the making is most important and enjoyable, the rest is a chore !
If you could give the younger you advice what would it be?
Make art the career earlier. Have confidence in your work.
Have you got a project / award/ residency/ or idea are you excited to share with us?
I’m always excited when developing new ideas, I’m currently working on sculptures inspired by Pictish carvings and collaborating with Sue Nichols for the PDA exhibition Into the Woods, later this year.
If your work could evoke one feeling or reaction in viewers, what would it be?
A smile, reaching out to touch the work.
What is your website and how do we find you on social media?
Website : www.kathrynwatson.co.uk
Instagram: @kw_ceramic_sculpture
