Katie Marks is a ceramic artist based in Portland, Oregon, A true West Coast creative spirit. Originally born in San Francisco and raised in Seattle, Washington, she embodies the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Katie's journey with clay began at the tender age of 2, and her affinity for the medium flourished into a passion for wheel throwing in 2007.
Under the guidance of her mentor, ceramic artist Matthew Patton, Katie dedicated four transformative years (2012-2016) as his apprentice and studio assistant. This invaluable experience shaped her artistic prowess and deepened her connection to the craft.
In 2012, Katie embarked on her entrepreneurial venture, founding Silver Lining Ceramics in the heart of Seattle's Belltown area. Starting from the floor of her modest studio apartment, she began crafting unique and inspiring pieces that reflect her unwavering dedication to the art of ceramics.
Inspired by the otherworldly-yet-purposeful beauty of nature and the cosmos, Katie’s work plays with color and texture to create joyous forms that are also functional sculptures.
Artist’s Statement
From the very beginning, I felt an unmistakable calling towards porcelain – its translucency and vibrant spectrum of colors have been a wellspring of inspiration for my artistic endeavors. The magical alchemy of transforming a simple lump of earth into something uniquely beautiful straight from the recesses of my imagination is a constant source of joy. Holding each completed piece in my hands serves as a tangible reminder of their existence, a testament to my own presence in this world.
My creative process unfolds in a two-fold dance; it commences with the rhythmic whirl of the potter's wheel, where the foundation of each piece takes shape, followed by meticulous hours of handcrafting to refine every detail. What captivates me most is the harmonious fusion of functionality inherent in wheel-thrown pieces with the boundless possibilities of sculpture. The majority of my creations emerge from the marriage of raw materials, as I meticulously mix my clay and glazes, granting me unparalleled control over the final aesthetic.
Firing my work to 2232 degrees Fahrenheit (cone 6) not only bestows strength and durability upon the clay but also orchestrates a transformative dance with the glazes, coaxing them into flowing patterns reminiscent of running water. My artistic journey is an ever-evolving odyssey, an exploration guided by the whims of my imagination. I revel in the interplay between the earth's inherent beauty and my unique human imprint.
Rooted in my experiences growing up amid the perennial overcast skies and persistent rain of Seattle (now residing in Portland), my work seeks to capture the ethereal allure found in the midst of gloom. Each piece is a testament to the beauty I discern in the subtle nuances of my environment.
Throwing each piece on the wheel is a cherished ritual where I contemplate the intricate designs that will soon grace the surface. The gestation of a piece often spans months within the landscape of my mind before it materializes into reality. Handcrafting each element ensures that no two pieces are ever identical; they may be kindred spirits, but each is truly one of a kind..
