ABOUT

Artist Statement:

Contrapuntal Kate (CP KATE) is my business name. Con·tra·pun·tal, a musical term captures my approach, the art of sounding together or combining two relatively independent melodies that tease out a third narrative. That third narrative is my passion. I love the pairing of disparate elements whether it be in food, fashion, or art. I’m drawn to visual conflict; it’s the push and pull I find thrilling. I’m inspired by the photography of Timothy Walker; his work embodies a certain tension I seek to replicate in my art.

I combine elements of historical figures and pair them with everyday objects in the form of sculpture. The resulting works are my attempt to impart a contemporary take on a cast of characters from the past, to depict contrast with irreverence. I “paint’ with a pop-culture brush, incorporating whimsy, humor and a bit of irony.

I utilize age-old artisan techniques. I create molds from food, Oreo’s, Hostess snacks, fresh fruit etc. I search my home for other items; discarded paint cans, cardboard boxes, outdated phones, old toys, to incorporate into my art.

Once the molds are complete, I cast in plaster and from there the collage process begins. I fashion hats for former Queens, Greek Gods and Goddesses.

Creating my artwork brings me immense joy. I spend a lot of time alone, ironically laughing at many of my ideas. I hope to bring a bit of levity to the world through sculpture.

Biography

Kate Rasmussen (CP KATE) is a sculptural collagist. Her artwork elevates the everyday and makes the precious more approachable as she pairs everyday objects or ephemera pulled from pop-culture with elements of historical figures. Kate’s sculptures evoke humor and irony, and she finds ‘pairing everyday objects with historical elements in a slightly satirical way highly entertaining.’ Many of her pieces are characterized by food as fashion and she draws inspiration from both.

Kate spent her professional career negotiating global manufacturing contracts and managing software development programs. In pursuit of a loosely defined passion, she moved on from the fast-paced high-tech industry into low-tech where she spent years honing her craft. Kate is self-taught in the art of mold making, rotational casting and finishing. She uses a hand-built rotational casting machine for her larger pieces and hand rotates the smaller elements. Her sculptures are made from a self-developed formula of acrylic polymer and gypsum all handcrafted in her home-based studio.

Growing up in Minnesota she received her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Minnesota. She has lived in Seattle, Ireland, Paris and currently resides in Portland, Oregon.

Follow Kate on Instagram @cpkatemaker