Meet The Maker Ep 2
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).
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...
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.
Exhibitions and Shows:
2022 Charleston Farmhouse - Designer and Makers Fair
West Firle, Lewes
2022 Brighton and Hove Open Houses
Milton House, Brighton
2021 'Tis the Season Christmas Market, Shop Local
Small Business Sunday
One Garden, Brighton
2021 Artwave Festival and Open House
Old Forge Open House, South Heighton
2020 Artwave Festival and Open House
Old Forge Open House, South Heighton
2019 Brighton and Hove Open Houses
Archipelago Studio
2019 Sunday Markets
The Level, Brighton
2019 The London Artisan
Old Truman Brewery, London
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