Of her intricate porcelain sculptures, Kate Hyde says: “My imagination has been engaged since I was a child by clothing, history and theatre. I use historical themes and reference the history of ceramics in my work, for instance Commedia del Arte 18th C. Meissen figures. The clothing in my work is a kind of puzzle: where is the body? The body has vanished, yet its gesture remains and hints about the past.”

Trained in the textile arts, Ms. Hyde, often uses porcelain in her work. In late 2005 Kate was awarded the prestigeous Winifred Shantz Award for Ceramists. The honour is awarded annually to emerging potters or clay sculptors for innovative professional development, allowing the recipient time for travel, to attend international residencies or to conduct research that will enrich experience and fortify career aspirations in the field of contemporary ceramics. Kate will use this opportunity to take up a two-month residency at The International Ceramic Research Centre Guldagergard in Skaelskor, Denmark, alongside related research. She reports that “The clarity in use of material and surface treatments and diversity of techniques in Danish design and ceramics are an important influence in my work, particularly with regards to handling of materials and surface treatments.”

Recent exhibitions of Kate Hyde’s work include The Gardiner Museum Shop, Toronto; The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo as well as at private galleries. Her professional work in her Warsaw, Ontario studio includes sculpture, print and drawing. Kate continues to work in the Education Department of the Textile Museum of Canada.

Kate has recently produced a number of collaborations with Thomas Aitken – some of these depict her Commedia del Arte drawings on Thomas’ functional porcelain – which are receiving rave reviews by gallery clientele.