For Atlanta ceramic artist Kate Pak, making pieces that feel good to hold and touch is an integral part of her craft.
Company/studio: Kate Pak Handcrafted Ceramics. The artist has a studio at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta. She has been a resident studio assistant/artist since 2022, but creating her work since 2017.
Artist: Born in South Korea, Pak immigrated with her family to Philadelphia in 1981. She graduated from the University of Washington, where she majored in international communications. In 1996, Pak moved to Atlanta. She has lived in the city of Decatur since 1997.
In the beginning: After college, Pak was drawn to visual work. She had a series of design roles that married communications with the visual, including working in media at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
In 2007, Pak decided to leave her job and focus on raising her children, now 21 and 15. In 2016, she approached the Carter Center in Atlanta hoping to volunteer, but there was a two-year waitlist.
Feeling deflated, a couple of moms she knew at the local school playground encouraged her to take a clay class with them. Pak had no clay/art experience, and reluctantly took the class. “Seven years later, I am thrilled that I did,” she said.
Art & materials: Sculptural and functional ceramic pieces using porcelain and occasionally stoneware clay for salt and soda firing.
What’s popular: Small vessels for keys/jewelry/nuts/olives ($20 to $45). Also larger centerpiece bowls ($115 to $425) and vases ($42 to $250).
Other favorites: Porcelain pinch pot vases ($45 to $135), which look great as a group. People have described them as reminiscent of corals, sea urchins or garlic bulbs, said Pak.
Favorite tool: Her hands, especially her right ring finger tip, which she often uses to create lines inside a large bowl.
Fun, special or unusual requests/commissions:
- Vases for a wedding present.
- Salt cellar and spoons to match the décor of a new kitchen.
- Chalice and paten for newly ordained minister.
- Mugs for a holiday present with a special message inscribed on the bottom.
- Most unusual commission was creating a special vessel for shards of glass from a Jewish wedding celebration.The client gifted the vessel to the wedded couple so they can shake it once in a while to hear the glass rattle in the vessel.
Recent/current shows: Several, including:
- SIP: A Ceramic Cup Show: Savannah Clay Community, Savannah, GA, April 2023.
- Small Favors: The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA. Through July 2.
- 30th Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National (2022), which is a national juried competition of 75 to 100 quality pieces of functional property.
What’s next: 2023 Perspectives: The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation, Watkinsville, GA. Aug. 25-Sept.10.
The exhibition will feature 48 of the top potters from across Georgia.
Where to buy: katepak.com. Also at:
- Swan Coach House Gallery, Atlanta, GA.
- Moosh, Atlanta, GA.
- Westside Market, Midtown store, Atlanta, GA.
Get social: Instagram: @kate.pak
