At Home with Kate Hardy of Hollow Work Ceramics
Meet Kate of Hollow Work Ceramics. I’d been seeing her work in DC shops for a while now, as well as stalking her instagram for the ceramics and also peeks into her beautiful studio. Today she shares a little about her life at home in the Covid era. Get to know the maker of our most recent ceramic candle collab!
Who are you, what do you do, and why?
My name is Kate Hardy. I am a DC potter / craftsperson / artist. In addition to teaching at George Washington University, I own and operate Hollow Work Ceramics, a business specializing in unique handmade table and drink ware. I am madly in love with and endlessly curious about clay and all of its possibilities.
What's inspiring you this season?
PLANTS PLANTS PLANTS! I am definitely one of those people giving extra love to their plants right now. When my teaching and studio orders came to a stand still in March I had time to make pieces I had wanted to focus on for a while - planters. I repotted every one of my house plants, and because I wasn’t going on any summer trips I felt brave enough to attempt growing some vegetables on my roof. Plants are SO therapeutic and I believe this is why they are more popular than ever right now. People are in need of the joy that they bring. I am 100% on board with this in my personal life and in my studio practice. Expect to see a lot of planters from me soon.
How is home for you these days? Same? Different?
Day to day is not drastically different for me. My studio is in my house, and I was a bit of a home body already, but I really miss meeting in person with clients and the collaborative aspect of that. I miss seeing my friends and family, and I feel that void in my heart. I am, however, happily getting to spend a lot of extra time with my 13 year old, and that is a treat.
I love ceramics for making the everyday feel more special. Does your pottery find its way into your life? Where and how and what does it do for you?
Yes! Our cabinets are filled with handmade ceramics. I am constantly buying from and trading with other potters – mostly mugs. It’s a bit of a problem, but I adore my pieces so much and I know it is vitally important to support my artist friends. Of my own work, I tend to keep the leftovers or flawed pieces. Nothing matches in our cabinets. One day I’d hope to make myself a proper set!
How has life changed in this covid world for you? Are there things you appreciate more these days?
Times are tough for small businesses and makers right now, adapting is a challenge and so is staying calm about the future, but I think we are all inspired by watching each other figure out how to make it work. I am truly appreciative to be alive and healthy during this extraordinary time. There is a lot of change happening and, ultimately, I believe that change is a wonderful thing.
Thanks for sharing, Kate! Shop our exclusive ceramic flower pot citronella candle in the shop.
