Artist Spotlight: Kat Cole

Kat Cole is a full-time studio artist, educator, and community collaborator. She received her MFA at East Carolina University and BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University. Cole’s work is internationally recognized and has been exhibited across Europe, Asia, and North America. Her enamel work has been published in Lark Books’ 500 Enameled Objects, Metalsmith Magazine, Ornament, American Craft and Art Jewelry Magazine. Cole is included in numerous private and public collections including The Museum of Arts and Design in New York City, Racine Art Museum, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Enamel Foundation and Houston Museum of Fine Art.

Her current solo show, entitled “ARCHIVE: Kat Cole 2006- 2024”, features over 40 pieces in jewelry and sculpture that display the breadth of the metalsmith’s practice over the last 18 years.

Where: Illges Gallery, Columbus State University, Columbus, GA

When: Now through April 13th

—————-

Kat was kind enough to answer a few questions about her artistic journey.

What was your introduction to art? 

My mom took ceramic classes in college and always loved art, which she passed on to me. I started taking painting classes when I was 9 from a woman who was a full-time painter.

Photo Credit: Jess Jones

Who is your biggest artistic inspiration?  

Lots of artists inspire me – different parts of what they do resonate – Mark Rothko, Chalres Sheeler, Louise Nevelson, Robert Rauschenbuerg, Hoss Haley.

How would you describe your approach to art?  

I spend a lot of time observing, thinking, writing and drawing about ideas and then I make and find parts and pieces that connect to my ideas. Then I spend time moving them around together, looking for just the right composition of elements and colors. Then I figure out how to get them technically to fit together in the format I am working in – which might be a necklace, brooch, or large wall piece.

What do you enjoy most about making art? 

The work is all problem-solving. I have an idea I want to communicate – so I have to figure out how to tell that story with the way I make and manipulate objects. Then I have to figure out how to make the elements I want and put them together in a functional way.

What is your greatest passion aside from art?  

Raising my daughter – who is by far the best thing I’ve ever made.

What do you do for fun?  

I am an avid gardener and house plant enthusiast.

—————-

For more info, visit kat-cole.com

Follow her on Instagram @katcolemetalsmith