Ceramicist Kate Schroeder captures the charm and nostalgia of mid-century classics with her whimsical miniatures.
William Shakespeare wrote, “To thine own self be true.” If anyone applies those words seriously to their craft, it would be ceramicist and artist Kate Schroeder. Inspired by Mid Century Modern style, Kate creates nostalgic-looking miniatures made with pure joy and lots of heart. Her tiny Malm fireplaces have a viral following on social media.
“For me, Mid Century Modern design is the pinnacle of design, specifically because of the focus on functionality in design and our everyday lives,” Kate says. “I am drawn to the combination of organic and geometric shapes, bold colors and clean aesthetic.”
Her work is inspired by a deep understanding of why we collect certain objects and their emotional impact on our mental health. Kate incorporates elements of craft, architecture, design and fine art in her creations. “The work celebrates the balance of a domestic home, nostalgia and the integral use of nature within these spaces,” she says.
Kate’s great-grandmother was a botanist turned artist, and her grandmother and mother owned a flower shop where Kate developed her love for plants. “It was at the hands of my great-grandmother, in that flower shop, that my love of art was encouraged,” she says.
Plants, light and repetition all play major roles in her work. “Symbolic details are represented in many aspects of my work,” Kate says. Everything from the cacti and aloe, which represent protection and healing respectively, can be seen in different series of her works and her one-of-a-kind products, such as mugs, ring dishes and jars.
For more information on Kate Schroeder, visit kateschroederceramics.com or follow her on Instagram @kate.schroeder.ceramics.
And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more Atomic Ranch articles and ideas!
