Kate Mitchell grew up in Auckland and after high school went on to study Fine Arts at Auckland University. During her last year at Uni she became really interested in glass and was lucky enough to get a job in a local glass studio in Auckland called Lukeke Design. Initially Kate started as a glass caster, but after a few years managed to score a position in the glass blowing team as an assistant. From learning on the job Kate Mitchell Glass was born.
katemitchellglass.com
Image @steven_acres
WHO is influencing you right now?
I have lately been influenced by artists of the De Stiji art movement. I am really drawn to their bold use of colour, and geographical lines and forms used within their art and thinking about how I can pair these elements with the more organic characteristics of my own work. I recently produced a Bauhaus series in which I attempted to apply bold primary colours and forms in a semi random process dictating the placement and overall outcome of the finished tumbler.
WHAT is the next big thing you're excited about?
I am so excited to travel again - whenever that may be! There are so many great opportunities to work and learn with glass overseas and since the glass scene is really small in NZ, travelling and attending international glass workshops is a really important way to advance your skills and develop new ideas as a glass blower.
Image @steven_acres
WHERE are you going next?
At the moment I am excited to expand further into the realm of glass jewellery. I have recently started making tiny glass fruit and vegetable earrings which are made through the process of flameworking. I have a small flameworking set up at home, so I am going to use this time during lockdown to hoan in on jewellery making and hopefully develop some new ideas!
