Kati Vamos

Ceramic artist – Exeter, Devon

Kati’s work is inspired by traditional American Pueblo Indian pottery. She saw and handled some amazing examples of their work in the United States during her training as a potter. She was intrigued by the contrast between the basic tools, ancient, seemingly simple ways of making and the resulting sophisticated, beautiful pieces. The lustrous surfaces are asking to be touched. She resolved to adapt and use this method of burnishing and smoke firing to create contemporary ceramics.

Kati’s work is made on the potter’s wheel and includes vessels, abstract sculpture and jewellery. The shapes are classical and restrained, the surface is burnished with smooth stones until it becomes silky to touch with a soft sheen. She does not use glaze, the decoration is created by smoke alone. Each piece is exposed to dense wood and paper smoke to create vivid colour contrasts, random carbon marks or deliberate designs. This is an exciting stage, when the maker’s skill and intentions combine with the natural effects of heat and smoke. Each piece is unique and cannot be replicated exactly.

Kati is a member of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen and lives and works in Exeter, England.

To view more of Kati Vamos’ work, please click on her tag in the right hand column.