Artist Spotlight: Kate Schroeder
About Kate
Hi! I'm a full-time ceramicist based in Kansas City, Missouri. I’ve exhibited nationally and have work in collections around the globe—on all seven continents, in fact! My love of clay started when I was a child. I began working with polymer clay at the age of eight, and transitioned to ceramics when I was fifteen.
AMACO: What inspires your work or keeps you excited in the studio?
Kate: I love the feeling of making something totally new! I’m especially drawn to the challenge of creating functional sculptures. The functional aspect is especially important to me because of the perceived distinction between art and craft. I hope that by making functional objects that are also sculptures, I can help dismantle the notion that fine art can't be useful. Utilitarian objects can absolutely be art.
AMACO: What is your favorite AMACO product and why?
Kate: I'm a sucker for Velvet Underglazes! I have over 50 colors in my collection. They’re so versatile and allow me to explore surface treatment beyond shiny glaze.
AMACO: Any advice you'd give to someone just starting out with clay?
Kate: It takes ages for your taste to match your skill—so keep going, and keep playing! Clay isn’t something you can master overnight. I have over 25 years of experience in ceramics, and I still haven’t mastered it. Sometimes, the material is just a finicky butthead. And that’s okay. You just have to learn to forgive the butthead and keep trying to make it work!