Meet Kathryn Hillier | Ceramic Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathryn Hillier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathryn, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Practice and refining design. Realizing that it is a long journey between envisioning a design, refining that design, thinking about the usability and ergonomics of the ceramic object, mastering actually making that repeated shape on the pottery wheel (each one handmade), and making that object sing with glaze, surface design, and marbling.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am not an artist that accepts limits. I largely taught myself glaze chemistry having had no prior science background. I research, listen intently, observe, and look for patterns. Through empirical testing and investigation, I was able to design a line of ceramics using special effect glazes all formulated and mixed by hand myself. That experience led to teaching ongoing glaze chemistry and glaze application classes where I have inspired many ceramic glaze chemistry enthusiasts. I also have designed a palette of glazes for a large studio where I also work as the glaze manager.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in Southern California, it’s important to experience the mighty ocean. I would start at Point Dume beach in Malibu with its fierce waves, gusting wind, and tide-pooling. Next, to Neptune’s Net in Malibu for fresh fried seafood. Back to the west side for art viewing at the travertine-clad Getty Center and a summer outdoor concert or art performance on the Getty’s courtyard with incredible views of the far-off city at sunset. Back to mid-Wilshire for more art and ceramics at the LACMA with a stop at a gallery or two, Nonaka-Hill Gallery, Shulamit Nazarian Gallery, and Diane Rosenstein Gallery for ceramic sculpture and Regen Projects for blue-chip multi-media contemporary art. No summer in LA is complete without a concert at The Hollywood Bowl. Straight-up classical, LA Phil accompanying a classic film screening, or an amazing band under the stars with a picnic and wine (it’s allowed!).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is dedicated to all the skilled and patient ceramic educators that inspired, nurtured, encouraged, and shared their tips and tricks with me.

Website: https://www.kathrynhillierceramics.com

Instagram: @kathhillier

Image Credits
Copyright Kathryn Hillier