Kate Sampson

Kate Sampson’s work involves traditional ceramic forms combined with intricate and uplifting hand-painted decoration. A background in illustration has greatly informed her practice, allowing her to appreciate the unique beauty of clay as a canvas. After studying pottery for a number of years at evening classes in Canterbury, Kate began selling her work in 2024 and was overwhelmed by the public response. What began as a hobby quickly evolved into a complete career shift. Highlights of her career include being selected to exhibit at the British Ceramics Biennial at the historic Spodeworks site in Stoke-on- Trent in September 2025, and receiving the ‘People’s Choice’ prize at Art in Clay, Farnham in November 2025.

Based in a garden studio in the woodlands of rural Kent, where she was born, Kate draws seasonal inspiration from the native plants and wildlife that surround her. Her themes centre on a joyous appreciation of the natural world and reflect her love of traditional folk art and historical craft, with antique florals and animals featuring prominently. Working predominantly in stoneware, her decorative technique involves layering fine brushwork in warm earth tones with sgraffito and wax resist to produce a distinctive richness and depth.