Katherine Friesen
My name is Katy and I am currently in my third year at Bennington College. My love for art and curiosity for how things are made and constructed have led me to study architecture, design and the fine arts. Studying architecture has captured my interest to creating art that I could apply to livable, practical, and functional situations. I enjoy the visual beauty of putting together a space that can be enjoyed by a community. My keen eye for detail and steady hand in craft have helped me to express different ideas and designs using different art mediums. I have a strong grasp for visualizing 3d objects as my studies in ceramics have contributed to conceptualizing and making architectural models.
Hello
My name is Katherine Friesen (Katy)
I am a recent graduate of Bennington College, class of 2023!
My love for visual presentation and curiosity about function has guided my making process. Through my artwork, I aim to explore form and structure and how a piece can have a functional purpose while remaining a visual object. The play of light and shadow holds a particular fascination for me, as it unveils a world of contrast and duality. While I was studying in Thailand this past semester I noticed this kind of contrast, especially within the architecture. I was inspired by the mixed use of indoor and outdoor spaces and the way it felt to walk through the space. Buildings hold much breadth as one walks through an ambiguous structure, and the way the light hits curves and embellishments adds depth and beauty to the space.
In both my architecture and ceramic work, I prioritize problem-solving and finding creative yet simple solutions to design challenges. I am drawn to a sense of balance, detail, and purposeful planning in my own creative-making process. I draw inspiration from nature and am drawn toward Asian culture. I capture the subtle nuances of light and transparency both in my ceramic and architectural work to create a sense of depth and presence. These characteristics contribute to my design aesthetic.
Enjoy my gallery and please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!
Education
Bennington College, Bennington, VT
Bachelor of Art in Visual Arts + Concentration in Architecture
Experience
Michael Fulton, Brattleboro, VT ---- Assistant
January 2020 - Current
● Engaged in construction projects and experienced hands-on, the process of how design leads to a physical structure
Construction Assistant Intern.
● Demonstrated learned knowledge of how to rewire plugs and outlets, attach plumbing, build basic structures for windows, decking, and structural support, tiling, as well as learning how to use power tools.
● Assisted with making design decisions.
Cai's Dim Sum Catering, Brattleboro, VT ---- Project Relations/Food Prep Helper
2019 - Current
● Create content for social media platforms.
● Updating business websites and learning about business strategy and how to manage small business commerce.
● Assisting with kitchen prep, customer service, and cleaning.
Kelly Architects, Los Angeles, CA --- Educational Internship
Summer of 2022
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Oversaw the work environment of the studio and learned about bar and restaurant design.
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Went on-site tours.
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Observed sales meetings.
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Learned about building and safety laws in LA County.
Yiddish Arts and Academics Association of North America (YAAANA), San Diego, CA — Organization Assistant
Summer of 2022
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Participated in weekly Zoom meetings with the design team.
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Helped with organizing and arranging site meetings and tours of properties.
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Learned about zoning laws in San Diego.
Freedom Reads, Bennington, VT — Drawing Assistant
April - June 2023
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Drafted floor plans, using Rhino, of one of the Freedom Reads locations.
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Illustrating spaces by Incorporating customized bookshelves to help conceptualize what the facility spaces will look like.
Two/One Ceramics, Brattleboro, VT --- Studio Assistant Intern
June - August 2019
● Learned about slip casting and assisted in casting slip molds.
● Keeping the art studio tidy, as well as preparing and packaging up pieces that were complete and finished.
● Got insight into the best practices of a successful ceramic business.
William Hayes, Brattleboro, VT ---- Printmaking Inten
March 2019 - June 2019
● Observing Hayes’ process of Reduction printing.
● Gaining one-on-one guidance on learning to carve linoleum blocks using a speedball cutter with interchangeable blades.
● Learning about ink application, setting paper, and the printing press.
Grace Wapner, Woodstock, NY ---- Artist Apprentice
January to February 2020
● Assisted with cleaning and organizing the studio.
● Organized files of Wapner’s life work.
● Provided another artistic voice in some of Wapner’s work displays.
Language Skills: English and Mandarin
Hard Skills
● Hand drawing
● Rhino, Sketchup, AutoCAD (Working knowledge-Beginner level)
● Adobe Creative Suites (PS, AI, ID)
● Fluent in Social media platforms/Meta Business Suite
● Square/Bentobox/Stripe