EARTH AND IMAGINATION: Katie Jae's Embodiment of the Artist
area ceramics artist and educator shapes creative expression in life and work
words & photos by Evelyn Nelson |
In the heart of Eau Claire, amidst the gentle hum of a potter's wheel and the earthy tactileness of clay, Katie Jae has found her artistic sanctuary.
Her journey, much like the clay she molds, has been one of transformation and self-discovery. It's a tale of embracing authenticity, of choosing to show up every day as her true self, and of becoming a conduit for the boundless energy of creativity.
“I think of the values I want to bring into my work,” Katie Jae said. “I want to bring breath. I want to bring touch. I want to bring moments of pause, curiosity, abundance, generosity.”
She spent her early years in Minnesota, where she played along sandy shores and sculpted with the earth. It was there that a gentle voice encouraged her to explore the possibilities of materials, play, and the immersive experience of the creative world.
Graduating from UW-River Falls in 2016 with a bachelor of fine arts in ceramics and art education, Katie Jae’s mentorship from art faculty solidified her dedication to a life in ceramics and clay.
"What has helped me over the years is continuously returning to the idea that creativity is an act of faith."
katie jae
ceramics artist
Rhonda Willers, a visual artist based in Elk Mound, first met Katie as a student during her time as a senior lecturer of arts at UW-River Falls. Willers has been fortunate to work with and mentor lifelong learners like Katie in both professional and informal settings.
It is a joy to continue their relationship as mentors and friends, discussing current projects and inspiring new ventures in career development, she said.
“As an educator and mentor, I show and was shown a way of being in the world that requires you to use your creativity in all aspects of your life,” Willers said. “(Katie Jae) takes connection with people and herself very seriously and is filled with intent. Consistently over time, Katie also engages with joy and play in life and her work.”
Katie Jae centers her work around hand building and connecting with the source. This is embodied in her ceramic vessels, which are made with a rich, red earthenware clay and fired in a kiln. Katie Jae's artistic journey with clay has included creating a range of pieces, from functional items like dining ware and cups to decorative vases and abstract sculptures. Recently, she has also started exploring jewelry making.
When not exploring new creative practice in her home studio, Katie Jae has instructed courses ranging from hand building, seasonal workshops, to advanced wheel courses at Half Moon Clay (930 Galloway St., suite 117, Eau Claire). Whitney Stuart, owner and founder of Half Moon Clay, believes art accessibility makes Eau Claire a friendlier place to live and exist creatively.
Katie Jae has always been mindful of the studio's core mission: to build community and encourage students to explore their creativity and embrace the beauty of clay regardless of skill level, she said.
“Pottery classes have surprisingly little to do with being good at pottery — it’s more about letting yourself be creative without judgement,” Stuart said. “We run the studio like I run my own creative journey — run the experiment and celebrate it whether it ends in a triumph or a failure.”
From the moment Amy Wahl stepped into Katie Jae's ceramics class, she was captivated. Wahl's passion for pottery ignited, leading her to further explore hand building and wheel techniques at Half Moon Clay.
While her dedication as a pottery student evolved, with Katie acting as the instructor, it never felt like she was just teaching technique; Katie has continued to help students discover new facets of themselves, Wahl said.
“She brings a calm, centered presence to the studio that immediately puts you at ease, creating a space that feels both relaxed and creatively charged,” Wahl said. “There’s no pressure to be perfect—she encourages each student to work at their own pace and embrace the process, or in Katie’s words, “choose your own adventure.’ ”
The triumphs and failures found in creative practice are ones Katie Jae has seen not only in her passions toward clay, but beyond. The cracks, the uneven edges, the unexpected color variations - all become part of the narrative, a testament to the journey of creation and the beauty in imperfection and impermanence we all can witness in our everyday lives.
“Art is a way of being, breathing, experiencing ourselves in the world around us,” Katie Jae said. “While being an artist has its challenges, I truly believe that we're the lucky ones. What has helped me over the years is continuously returning to the idea that creativity is an act of faith.”
Katie Jae fosters personal growth and empowerment through her work at Half Moon Clay and in her home studio. Her passion for new beginnings and artistic expression creates an inviting atmosphere that draws people in and inspires them to continue learning and growing, Wahl said.
When I think about what I value in an instructor or workshop, it always comes back to intention, openness, and connection,” Wahl said. “I now consider Katie a friend for life, and I’m filled with gratitude to have crossed paths with someone so open-hearted and inspiring.”
As she continues to explore the boundless possibilities of clay and guide others on their own creative journeys, Katie Jae embodies the transformative power of art and the profound connection it fosters between individuals and their sense of self.
Katie Jae will continue teaching hand building and wheel classes at Half Moon Clay through late Spring. You can register for introductory or advanced classes at www.halfmoonclay.com/our-classes.
For more information about Katie Jae's home studio, or to purchase her work, contact her at k.renaejae@gmail.com.
