ABOUT

Artist Statement:

Contrapuntal Kate (CP KATE) is my art business. The term con·tra·pun·tal, borrowed from music, reflects my methodology: the art of combining two relatively independent melodies to produce a unique, 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 beautiful tension I look to replicate in my art.

My sculptures integrate representations of historical figures with everyday objects, offering a contemporary take on a cast of characters from the past. The unexpected pairings often depict contrast with irreverence.

I employ traditional artisan techniques in my artistic practice. Molds are created from foods like Oreos, Peeps, fresh fruit, and baked goods, as well as found objects such as paint cans, cardboard boxes, tech devices and toys. After casting in hand-dyed plaster, I begin the collage process creating hats for figures like Queens and Greek deities. Humor, whimsy and irony are intentionally integrated into my work to infuse levity and offer viewers a lighter perspective through sculpture. In addition to my logo, each piece is signed with a small peace sign, serving as a meaningful symbol throughout my body of work.

Biography

Kate Rasmussen (CP KATE) is an accomplished sculptural collagist. Her artwork elevates the ordinary 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 disparate 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 agreements and managing software development programs within the high-technology sector. Motivated by a growing passion for the arts, she transitioned from the technology industry to focus on sculpture where she spent years honing her craft. Kate is self-taught in the art of mold making, rotational casting and a multitude of finishing techniques. For her large-scale works, she employs a custom-built, six-foot-tall steel rotational casting machine, while smaller components are rotated by hand. Each piece is crafted using her proprietary blend of acrylic polymer and alpha gypsum, ensuring both uniqueness and craftsmanship within her home studio.

Originally from Minnesota, Kate earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Minesota. She has lived in several locations, including Seattle, Ireland, Paris and is currently based in Portland, Oregon.

Follow Kate on Instagram @cpkatemaker