Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Grace Hammond.
Hi Katie Grace, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was fortunate to attend the College for Creative Studies in Detroit where I earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Art with a concentration in Glass in 2009. Coming of age in Detroit in that era was a scrappy kind of DIY fun and mischief. There wasn’t many established dance clubs to hang out in, there were no coffee shops. You had to talk to other people to figure out where people were hanging out. I spent alot of time riding around on a bicycle and practing hula hoop tricks on the sidewalk outside my apartment. So while I got this world class art education I had a parallel life getting into stuff in the city with my friends and figuring out how to rub two pennies together to make a dollar, how to cook my own meals with veggies from Eastern Market in the morning, likely the same locale we danced in a warehouse until the early hours.
Blowing glass, (the large kind) at the furnace was my focus at CCS, but I found out pretty quickly that it requires a massive amount of energy and has a limited range of opportunities to pursue post college. While at CCS I learned the basics of a huge range of processes like weaving, dyeing fabric, photography, basketry, slip casting clay, woodworking, design, and so much more.
For better or worse the recession and Detroit’s bankruptcy happened the same year I graduated. After CCS I learned a different kind of glass, flamework glass on a torch which is a very different art form. I grinded away at that for the next 6 years in a warehouse studio in Grand Rapids, MI, learning the basics all over again and vending at music festivals and wherever I could get people to take a look at my little treasures.
Then life backed me up in a corner as it does to many at times and I moved back to Harper Woods, on the border of Detroit. I just couldn’t get my mind to focus on my torch work the same way. I had a horrible case of imposter syndrome. I gave myself permission to explore and expand into more art forms. I love to learn and this is the basis of where I’m currently at artistically, working on several flows, edging them towards each other, leaning towards synthesis. I’m still making small scale glass items, but also painting, designing digitally, carving blocks, printing on to fabric and sewing. I fund everything myself in the same spirit as the Detroit days, only now I live in the woods in Northern Michigan.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Having imposter syndrome around my Glasswork was so painful. People would get stuck on this topic whenever I mentioned it. I was struggling to reach a level I thought I should be at while having to constantly play the role of cool glassblower. Eventually I reliezed it was too exhausting, that I felt limited in that art form and let myself expand and discover other art forms. Many people didn’t get that move, but I don’t regret it. I feel like expanding my processes majorly benefited my spirit and my work life.
Another major challenge has been trying to fund and make money with the artwork. It’s hard, you have to pour money into supplies and opportunities while keeping your creative spirit flowing. Personally I have a part time job, paid art work for clients and dedicated time for my own work. You have to find your own balance, whatever that looks like.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m known for my whimsical and quirky creations. Miniature glass potion bottles created by hand on the torch are one of my main creations, they’re each unique. In the spirit of exploration each has it’s own magic.
Colorful cat paintings are another favorite. Similarly, each is different.
I love to try a new flow and see where it goes. Some don’t take off but others really do and it’s always worth it because I get to learn.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Being free to be myself, putting on a colorful outfit, going out into the world to poke around and meet people along the way is a big source of happiness for me. When I discover new places or cool things others are doing or planning it’s always fascinating. I love to connect people to each other also, help them pull in supporters and new friends to connect with. I have a wide range of interests like history of all kinds, nature, music,science, “how does that work?” and just a sense of curiosity that helps me connect with all kinds of people and places.
This and hiding out alone, listening to an audiobook and working on a piece or hiking in the woods.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Katiegracehammond.com
- Instagram: Katiegracehammond
