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Kathy Gorg
Growing up in rural, North Central Pennsylvania, Kathy Gorg has been exposed to a landscape of rolling hillsides filled with a variety of trees, wildlife, and foliage. Each diverse seasonal change has allowed Kathy to experience Nature in many forms. She has always been inspired by the power and beauty found in the natural environment. The sounds, smells, colors, textures, and patterns existing in nature have contributed to much of Gorg's work.
Kathy Gorg received a B.S. in Art Education from Kutztown University where she was first introduced to ceramics. Following graduation, she began teaching students of all ages in a variety of media and further explored her interest in the ceramic arts. Building on this interest, she has participated in a number of ceramic workshops, studying with renowned artists such as Chris Gustin, John Neely, Stephen Hill and Robbie Lobell. More recently, she has furthered her academic endeavors by receiving her Graduate Certificate in the Ceramic Arts at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland.
Ms. Gorg works in her rural ceramics studio in Muncy, Pennsylvania designing sculptural ceramic art as well as functional pieces. Ms. Gorg's recent work is a unique collection of dinnerware that was inspired by her favorite flower, the Calla Lily. She aspires to create pottery which exudes quiet confidence and simple beauty.
Artist Statement
The power and beauty found in nature are limitless. My first encounter with a Calla Lily was as a child. My mother had received an arrangement of flowers from my aunt, and the bouquet was displayed on the dining room table. I remember being amazed by this exotic flower – its texture, shape, and commanding presence were unlike anything I had ever seen. In the years hence, the Calla Lily has been my flower of choice to mark special occasions in my life. I initially was drawn to the flower’s elegant lines and soft curving edges, but also have come to appreciate its unique qualities: the Calla Lily has no fragrance or petals, is highly toxic if ingested, and its form suggests both feminine and masculine characteristics. For me, the beauty and nuances of the Calla Lily embody the layers and complexities of one’s own personality and soul. Calla is designed to recreate the simple elegance of the Calla Lily. The pieces were created using slabs made from white stoneware and hand made plaster molds. Handbuilding this line allowed me to make each piece subtly different from the last. A natural and simple color palette serves to enhance the work. The end result is a graceful collection of functional pottery. It is my hope that this collection may inspire you to admire and appreciate the Calla Lily from a new perspective.
“Simplicity is an integral part of beauty.”
– Neil Besenfelder
Calla Series
