About  

I'm Katie Barton and my studio is based in East Sussex.

I specialise in ceramic tableware and homeware and have been known to dabble in a bit of weaving alongside the ceramics. I graduated from the University of Brighton with a Masters in Design (MDes) in 3D Design and Craft (2017). 

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Being based in East Sussex I am lucky to have the both the beautiful coast on one side and the lush green of the fields and woodland on the other.

The inspiration behind my work comes from my interest in the outdoors and rural landscapes. This comes from my 'hobby' in Falconry. I was brought up raising and training different birds of prey. Then working alongside them to hunt for food. The hawk following by my side or perched on my fist eagerly watching while I wander quietly. Working together we obtain different quarry, for both of us. Alongside the catch I have started to forage, this came from making my urge to collect materials from the woodland to work with. Always stuffing my pockets with foliage and weird curiosities I find. Due to this nature of obtaining food I have an appreciation for how we gather our food, the journey to our plates. I want people to bring that little bit of the wild to their tables and home. Either by creating a beautiful plate to present your meal on, or a pot to store your cooking utensils that is a reminder of the landscape the meal came from, or just a little earthy bowl that is a quiet reminder to enjoy the outdoors...

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The pieces are all handmade by myself either on the potters wheel or press moulded. Focusing on how we hold and interact with the different wares dictates the forms. The curves fitting to how we cradle and hold bowls and mugs; cradling them during the colder months for warmth. 

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Exhibitions and Shows:

2020     Artwave Festival and Open House

                Old Forge Open House, South Heighton

2019     Brighton and Hove Open Houses

               Archipelago Studio 

2018     Artwave Festival and Open House

                Old Forge Open House, South Heighton

2017     New Designers Part 1 Craft and Textiles Week -                     Business Design Centre, London​

2017     University of Brighton Graduate Show 

2016     New Designers Part 1 Craft and Textiles Week -                     Business Design Centre, London

2016     University of Brighton Graduate Show​

2016     Heal's Craft Market Store Front - Brighton                               (Demonstrations and Sales)

Education:

2013–17     University of Brighton    

                     MDes 3D Design & Craft

2012–13     Brighton and Hove City College    

                     Art and Design Foundation 

2010–12    Varndean College, Brighton

2005–10    Tideway Secondary School  

Placements & Work Experience

2017    Frances Doherty 

              Autumn Work Placement assisting in studio and                      focusing on throwing   

2017    Nic Webb

               Summer Work Placement for Decorex 2017 

2015    Tanya Gomez

               Summer Work Placement Preparing for Show                        and assisting in studio 

2014    Tanya Gomez

               Throwing Course