Welcome to my creative workspace - my desk is situated in my home studio in the English Cotswolds. Reading materials are always in abundance here - I’m currently working through The Artist’s Way (highly recommend) and also re-reading Haute Bohemians. The Golden Thread is another fascinating read that I’m devouring.
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.
Bringing old school artistry back, St. Udio is the Athens, GA-based blacksmith metal and woodworking studio of our dreams. Starting in 2011, this local artisanal workshop has made a name for itself in the area as the go-to choice for custom metalwork.
Based out of Athens, Georgia, the Partners, Andrew Flage and Mike Harboldt both earned their Fine Arts degrees from the University of Georgia. Their work ranges from sleek minimal vent hoods to Art Nouveau-esque gates. We met with Andrew to discuss his design process; which he describes as "a dialogue with the client." Beginning with initial concepts, they turn to sketching, then AutoCAD. A true artisan, Andrew said his favorite projects are the ones that require hands-on hammering and "firing up the forge," rather than laser-cutting.
Interested in the tongue in cheek namesake of St. Udio? Andrew said growing up, he oftentimes visited his aunt in California. They had a little shack in the backyard used as an art room. On the front, there were the letters of "Studio," with a circular light after the "St." They affectionately referred to the small building as Saint Udio; of which Andrew Flage ultimately named his blacksmith workshop.
We feel unbelievably blessed to be able to partner and collaborate with artisans like St. Udio. In our world today, artisans today who get down and dirty in their craft seem to be a thing of the past. But, St. Udio and its team give us hope. Makers and craftsmen are still around, and are still making a huge impact on the design world.
PHOTO CREDITS // The top image was taken by Paige French, the bottom three images were taken from the St. Udio's Website.
