Kate Vogler

Old Hall
Reepham Road
Foulsham
Norfolk
NR20 5SL  map

Tel: 01362 683633
Fax: 01603 684380
Email: kate_vogler@onetel.com
Website: www.katevogler.co.uk

My ceramic vessels are inspired by early cultures and the retrieval of artefacts from the earth.

Weathering and erosion of natural form is also an influence.

These vessels are coiled, burnished and low bisque fired. The pots are then smoked in a variety of natural materials that I have collected: straw, sawdust, seaweed or seedpods.  These leave a subtle range of colours and deposits on the pot which, because the clay is porous,  impregnate the surface.

Some pots are pit fired in wood, some fired in a sagger within a kiln, with oxides sprinkled amongst them.  As the wood burns, the oxides react with the heat of the flames, leaving explosions of pink, red, orange and grey on the surface of the pots.

The way that the smoke marks penetrate the surface integrates with the form of the vessel.  This unglazed, bare clay invites touch and references to ancient traditions.

Having been in complete control when shaping my vessels, I love the unpredictability of the surface treatment.  It is exiting, yet terrifying, to give up the pots to the spontaneity of the flames. I never know what markings will be revealed when the pit is cold.

My work is symbiotic with the way I live; often working from different landscapes, I find  a completeness in using the materials that I have collected to reveal the form of each piece.

Background Information

Born in Northumberland, I came to Norfolk to join the degree course in Fine Art, Sculpture at, what was then, Norwich School of Art.

Returning to Norwich after a post graduate course, I taught sculpture and ceramics for many years at a local comprehensive school, adult education centres, in primary and special needs schools.

More recently, I chose to concentrate on developing my work from my studio, selling through galleries.  I exhibit regularly and teach sculpture and pottery to students of all ages.

Studio.  Contact kate_vogler@onetel.com