Katie Teesdale joined the Coyote at the beginning of September as an Emerging Artist and spends time working in the gallery as well. You can find her in the studio or the gallery on most weekday afternoons and some weekends. Pop on by and say hello!
I’m originally from the west suburbs of Chicago, and I received a BFA with honors in Ceramics and a Teacher Education Program certificate from the University of Iowa. I have taught and supported various ceramic programs in the midwest and the east coast. Most recently, I was the Education Assistant for the Outreach program at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, PA. Some people have been known to call me something of a nomad.
I am driven to create work inspired by habits, rituals and shared interactions. In particular, I love to create families of pots, and I endeavor to make sure that each pot has a friend. Currently, I spend my mornings teaching ceramics and sculpture at Dassel-Cokato High School in Cokato, MN.
What’s your favorite pottery technique?
I absolutely adore creating pinch pottery! Sometimes I’ll throw in some coils, but I think that having the ability to show the mark of the maker on functional pieces is really special. There is also something pretty great about being able to sit in my window at the Clay Coyote and soak up the sun while I work.
Who are your pottery idols?
This has the potential to be a very long list! I have so many favorites. If I had to pick a top five…I would pick Tara Wilson, Didem Mert, Birdie Boone, Gwendolyn Yoppolo and Elizabeth Pechacek…Joyce Nagata has wonderful glazes! Oh, or Ingrid Bathe… Oops, that is way more than five!
When you’re not making pots and working in the Gallery, how do you like to spend your time?
Hm…making more pots? Outside of my mornings teaching, I love to play board games! My current favorite is Anomia. Other then that, I tend to be pretty quiet reading books and hanging out with friends.
Do you have a pet?
I have a very sweet, giant, Bernese Mountain Dog named Watson….Who unfortunately lives back in Chicago with my mom. He loves to watch golf on TV; they always say his nickname– Bubba Watson.
Where’s your favorite vacation destination?
Anywhere where I can sit and read a book while my feet are in the water is perfect to me! But I also really just enjoy adventures and new experiences.
What book are you reading right now?
I have a life goal of reading a book a week! I just finished The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson, and I’m about to jump back into The Hare with the Amber Eyes by Edmund De Waal. I’m always looking for good recommendations, so feel free to send them my way!
What’s your dessert of choice?
Depends on the time of year, but I have a terrible sweet tooth. A lot of the time I want ice cream, but sometimes I’m more in the mood for chocolate cake. I’ll be honest, I will literally never turn down a doughnut, they are my kryptonite.
