Kindred Tales | Katie & Oki | KP Studio
Katie Preece is the potter and printmaker behind KP Studio, who crafts durable and elevated homeware ranges for the conscious consumer. Made from British clay, her timeless collections marry function and form, simplicity and sustainability. Adding entertainment to studio life is Katie’s Lurcher Pup Oki who can be found either sleeping by her feet or cheekily stealing her tools while she isn’t looking.
Tell us a about KP Studio and what inspires your work?
KP Studio is about finding beauty in the everyday. Since growing up in rural Hampshire, I’ve felt a strong affinity with the natural world, which manifests in the earthy textures, patterns, materials and muted tones you see in my work.
After studying printmaking at the University of Brighton, it felt like an organic progression to marry lino-cutting techniques with the tactile surface of clay. Today, it’s my goal to sidestep trends and subvert mass production by embracing slow, low-waste design processes that celebrate irregularity, champion Earth and together, form one-off homewares pieces that can be cherished for a lifetime.
My collections are all very personal to me, each representing stories and memories, while they also chart my experimentation with various clays, stains, patterns and glazes.
Tell us about Oki and how he came into your life?
Oki is our handsome 7 month old lurcher pup! I grew up with dogs and have always wanted one of my own when the time was right. After taking the plunge last year to set up my own pottery studio in the spare room, and my boyfriend being a designer working from home, we thought that the time was as good as any.
How does having a dog fit into your general working day?
He fits in perfectly! You wouldn’t believe how much he loves a lie in, he would sleep past 11 if he could. But, we usually go for a morning walk round the local park before I start on my never ending to do list for the day. Oki has his own cosy bed in the studio that he’s happy to snooze away in. He likes to steal my tools, drink clay water and he usually helps me out with my post office runs to send out my orders too
When you’re not working where do you like to head out with the dog?
Living in Brighton I’m so lucky to live so close to the sea, some beautiful parks and the south downs, we love walking along the beach. Oki just loves any open space really that he can stretch his legs.
What essentials do you always have on you when heading out for a dog walk, and what do you carry them in?
Poo Bags!! I’m obsessed with putting them in all possible coat pockets, I hate the idea of being caught out. We are in the midst of recall training and Oki being a lurcher he has some speedy legs on him, so his favourite rabbit skin chaser toy is a must.
What adventures do you have planned with Oki for later this year?
We dream of going wild camping with him and maybe trekking in some beautiful rural landscapes or for now just a humble walk with my family and their dogs when the restrictions have been lifted.
