Cate Be

With dreams of bettering the planet, I graduated with a B.S. in Ecological Restoration, and two minors (Botany and Watershed Management) from Humboldt State University. I started my own native garden and landscaping business as a student, then went full-time after I graduated. “Just Be,” as I called it, helped locals learn about biodiversity with native plants, while removing invasive plant species. The first summer of graduation, I was given a gift of a “10-week workshop in ceramics” at the local art center. Meeting once a week, for 10 weeks, for two hours, it became my therapy, my meditation, my sacred space. When I wasn’t working with plants and soil, I was in clay. I worked both fronts until late 2016, when I decided to take “CBeCeramics” full-time. I have been creating behind the wheel ever since.

I work with commercially manufactured stoneware and porcelain clay. All works are bisque fired in an electric kiln, and natural gas-fired to Δ10 (2345°F) in a reduction kiln, unless otherwise noted. This temperature range known as high fire, results in the most durable and useful pieces possible. The reduction atmosphere helps to create a wide range of texture and hues in the glazes. I use an electric potter’s wheel, clay slabs, and hand build to create my pieces. The work I make is a reflection of myself: an amalgamation of all I’ve opened my heart to. It mirrors the past and current inner workings of my being. This ranges from natural resource and environmental aspects such as botany, wildlife and mycology, to sexual health/awareness, identity, and self-care/love.