If you haven't heard, BIG things are happening over here at CLOTH & KIND. We just opened our brand new Showroom & Shop in Ann Arbor, Michigan! One of the things close to our hearts and at the core of this venture for us is to promote local Ann Arbor, MI (and Athens, where our Georgia team is based!) artisans. For us, Kate Tremel's lovely, organic ceramics were an obvious choice. We're thrilled to say that we are carrying Kate's pieces in the Shop, and are excited to introduce y'all to her and her work here.
Studying Spanish and Anthropology in undergrad, Kate came to love pottery after taking a couple community art classes. She took a time off of school and pursued her passion, studying pottery under a traditional ceramicist, specializing in large vessels, Josue Luis Yamunaque. After finishing college, Kate Tremel then attended graduate school Cranbrook Academy of Art, focusing her studies on mixed media sculpture the village pot. She even had a stint living in Athens, GA - what are the odds?! She is now a professor at the Penny Stamps School of Art and Design at the University of Michigan, located right in Ann Arbor.
Drawing inspiration from nature, such as moss growing on a rock, she is constantly stimulated by her surroundings. Kate is process-oriented, focusing her design on improvisation. In fact, she loves when a piece surprises even herself. Delving deep into the details of her process, Kate Tremel is fascinated by the intimate connection between maker and creation. She describes the sensuality of wet clay, the texture and form of clay reminiscent of skin. It is this deep relationship with her work that allows her to create pieces that are accessible and engaging to the viewer.
Her motto in design is simplicity. From the clean, simple lines of her nesting bowls, to the pierced vases and lamps, Kate Tremel has mastered sophisticated, intriguing ceramics, with a overall sense of uncluttered beauty, and we're wholly in love with her work.