Katrin Moye
A contemporary chronicler of historical ceramics
Katrin's ceramic practice expresses the realisation of research, exploration and interrogation of classic and historical literature, found texts and decorative art. Driven by a deep fascination of the unique relationships between individuals and objects, and an enchantment with the ceramic output of 16th – 18th century Europe, her practice brings the past to life with joy, energy and humour.
MY STORY
Creative backgound
I studied English Literature and Art History at university and have always equally loved literature and visual art. Bringing the two together in my work has been a major preoccupation for much of the last few years.
My projects are all contextualised in my work through research into the domestic and functional ceramics that were contemporary at the time that the texts were written. My response is realised in the production of ceramics whose shapes and decoration are informed by the vernacular and style of the time.
Katrin is sought after worldwide for her intricately patterned decorative pieces. Her practice encompasses wheel-thrown, hand built and sculptural earthenware pieces, all exquisitely hand painted using coloured slips and underglazes. This contemporary synthesis of traditional techniques and materials places Katrin’s work in the modern world, whilst maintaining the connection with the traditions of centuries of decorative European makers before her. The culmination of this is clear throughout Katrin’s humorous, sensitive and highly decorative ceramic pieces.
Creative research
World events have been so seismic and rapidly changing over the past few years that every now and then I am driven to respond with the work I produce. My instinct is always to find an equivalent or precedent in history.
I've heard the word ‘unprecedented’ in news media many times over the past few years – but of course, nothing is unprecedented – it just depends on how far back in history one cares to look. I get a certain amount of comfort in the activity of finding out about similar economic crashes, plagues and natural disasters in history. The knowledge that people have always come through these things, spring is always returns, and life renews itself is a very cheering thought.
Collections are made in response to events, such as a set of large albarello jars and tall Italianate jugs decorated in the Majolica style, which have the UK government’s Covid slogans reproduced in Google-translated Latin. They are also a tongue in cheek reference to Boris Johnson’s florid communication style.