Kate Learmouth

Artist Statement

My practice is informed by the marks life has left, in the landscape and of self. 

Working in mediums including ceramics, print, and natural found pigments and materials, I explore hidden stories: traces of what was once there and what remains, the layers of interactions with the earth by humans and nature.  

My current work is a response to the ash dieback epidemic, exploring our relationship with the tree; its significance to the natural world and human history, its legacy, impact of its loss, and hope for the future.

I’m also currently mapping Wirksworth through soil pigments and chromatograms. 

Marked, 2023 Detail from an installation of handbuilt stoneware vessels, some with underglaze. Overall size: 65cm x 170cm, each individual piece varying in size
Tested, 2023 Soil chromatogram from the series of chromatograms using soil collected from or near ash trees in Wirksworth Each chromatogram measures 9cm in diameter
Tested, 2023 Soil chromatogram from the series of chromatograms using soil collected from or near ash trees in Wirksworth Each chromatogram measures 9cm in diameter
Legacy, 2025 Mokuhanga print on natural Pansion washi with red sumi ink from Nara, Japan and nori paste Size: 50cm x 31.5cm
Legacy, 2025 Mokuhanga print on natural Pansion washi with red sumi ink from Nara, Japan and nori paste Size: 50cm x 31.5cm
Soil Walk, 2025 (WIP) Processed soil pigment on Khadi cotton rag paper, soils collected from important sites around Wirksworth Overall size yet to be determined, individual ‘tiles’ 4cm x 5.5cm
Soil Walk, 2025 (WIP) Processed soil pigment on Khadi cotton rag paper, soils collected from important sites around Wirksworth Overall size yet to be determined, individual ‘tiles’ 4cm x 5.5cm