Article

Katrina Chaytor

Published Online September 29, 2013

Last Edited March 4, 2015

Katrina Chaytor, ceramist, teacher (born 13 May 1962 in St. John’s, NL). Katrina Chaytor is recognized for her investigations of decoration in functional ceramics, specifically how ornament interacts with form, history, and culture.
Katrina Chaytor
Katrina Chaytor

Katrina Chaytor, ceramist, teacher (born 13 May 1962 in St. John’s, NL). Katrina Chaytor is recognized for her investigations of decoration in functional ceramics, specifically how ornament interacts with form, history, and culture. Her work is held in the collections of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the Calgary Allied Arts Foundation, the Gardiner Museum in Toronto, the Shanghai Arts and Crafts Museum in Shanghai, China, and the FuLe International Ceramic Art Museums in Fuping, Shaanxi, China.

Early Life, Education and Career

As a young child Chaytor visited Renews, a fishing village located on the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland — home of her maternal grandparents and great-grandparents — where she learned the art of quilting, rug-hooking, and two-dimensional decoration. Chaytor graduated with a BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (now the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University, NSCAD) in 1983 under the direction of Walter Ostrom. After completing an MFA at Alfred University in Alfred, NY, in 1986, she took a series of sessional jobs teaching ceramics at some of Canada’s major art schools, including NSCAD, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, and Sheridan College. Since 2001, she has been a faculty member at the Alberta College of Art + Design in Calgary. Chaytor has participated in numerous artist residencies and exchanges, including FuLe International Ceramic Art Museums (FLICAM) in Fuping, Shaanxi, China.

Fruit Bowl/Tray
Katrina Chaytor, Fruit Bowl/Tray, earthenware 35.6 x 40.6 x 25.4 cm.Image: Charles Bronfman's Claridge Collection of Decorative Arts/Waddingtons.

Mature Style

Reflecting her early interest in textiles, Chaytor initially explored repeat patterns derived from nature but has changed her focus to digital imagery based on computer codes as a starting point for her art. Her ornamental teapots, flowerpots, platters, mugs and condiment sets are hand-built with meticulous precision using slab-construction and plaster moulds.

Flower Jardinière, Hand-built Earthenware with slip and glazes
Katrina Chaytor, Flower Jardinière, Hand-built Earthenware with slip and glazes. Image: \u00a9 Katrina Chaytor\r\n
Teapot with Trivet, Hand-built white Stoneware with glazes
Teapot with Trivet, Hand-built white Stoneware with glazes. Image: \u00a9 Katrina Chaytor\r\n
Katrina Chaytor, Cups and Saucers, Hand-built Earthenware with slip, glazes and iron transfers. Image: \u00a9 Katrina Chaytor\r\n
Salt and Pepper Set, Hand-built Earthenware with slip and glazes
Katrina Chaytor, Salt and Pepper Set, Hand-built Earthenware with slip and glazes. Image: \u00a9 Katrina Chaytor\r\n
Platter, Press-molded Earthenware with slip and glazes
Platter, Press-molded Earthenware with slip and glazes. Image: \u00a9 Katrina Chaytor\r\n
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Awards

Award of Honour, Alberta Craft Council Awards (2010)