The Artisan Behind the Clay: Meet Katherine Mahoney
Katherine Mahoney’s journey with ceramics began in 1974, during a visit to her brother’s pottery studio in Kent, England. Instantly captivated by the artistry surrounding her—stacks of pots, the hum of the wheels, and the clay-covered floors—Katherine knew she had found her passion. This love for ceramics led her to apprentice at Cranbrook Station Pottery, where she honed her craft and eventually opened her own studio.
Katherine’s career took a significant turn when she moved to Hong Kong, immersing herself in the rich history of Asian ceramics. There, she began exhibiting one-of-a-kind pieces, quickly gaining international recognition for her work. Her expertise and creativity earned her opportunities to judge prestigious exhibitions, such as the Hong Kong Biennale, and to teach pottery at esteemed institutions including the Hong Kong Polytechnic and the Hong Kong Museum of Art.
Since relocating to Sydney in the 1990s, Katherine has continued to create unique, wheel-thrown ceramics and sculptural forms, drawing inspiration from the Australian landscape. From the meandering lines of hilltop trees to the vibrant hues of iron ore on exposed rock faces, the beauty of nature is intricately woven into her work.
Katherine’s Sydney studio, nestled in a tranquil garden, is where her creations come to life. Surrounded by leafy serenity, her wooden cabin houses the wheels and glazes that transform clay into art. On firing days, the warmth of her humming kiln fills the air, creating a cozy atmosphere that contrasts with the delicate nature of her pieces.
In her own words: “Ceramics is a medium that is tactile and delicate—an internal contradiction, both fragile and durable. Dug from the ground and transformed through the ritual and rhythm of the wheel, nature’s materiality becomes forms made by hand—simple lines that speak to a new modernity.”
Today, Katherine’s work continues to evolve, with a focus on bespoke tableware for restaurants, designers, galleries, and individuals who appreciate the artistry in everyday objects. Her creations are a celebration of both the natural world and the tactile beauty of ceramics, inviting others to experience the transformative power of handcrafted art.