Kathy Butterly Discusses Ceramic Evolution, Influences, and Artistic Process in Interview

Kathy Butterly's current exhibition at James Cohan Gallery in Chelsea features larger, more abstract, and colorful ceramic works compared to her previous show at Tibor de Nagy. In an interview with Elena Sisto, Butterly explains her evolving approach, which involves firing pieces 15-30 times, sometimes up to forty, without a predetermined plan. She describes her process as starting with plaster molds from store-bought forms, manipulating clay while malleable, and refining through carving and glazing. Butterly cites influences including George Ohr, Viola Frey, and California artists like Ken Price and Ron Nagle, whom she first encountered while studying at Moore College of Art in Philadelphia and UC Davis. At Davis, she worked closely with Robert Arneson alongside faculty such as Wayne Thiebaud and Manuel Neri. Her studio inspirations range from music by The Beach Boys and Iggy Pop to artists like Mondrian, Alice Neel, and Lucio Fontana. Butterly emphasizes the importance of skill mastery for artistic freedom and discusses her use of color and line to convey emotional states, referencing psychoanalyst D.W. Winnicott's concept of 'going on being.' She also notes admiration for contemporary women artists including Sheila Hicks, Rachel Harrison, and Amy Sillman, highlighting a broader trend of female artists gaining recognition. The interview reveals Butterly's preference for working within self-imposed limitations, finding depth through repetition and material constraints.