Influenced by complex organic architectures, man-made environmental catastrophes, and eco-social systems, Kate assembles highly tactile sculptures, textile, and installation with an emphasis on Craft and materiality. Her work transmutes wasting and waste matter into abundant, maximalist, composite forms and dynamic biophilic textures that interrogate assigned value, material narrative, and a rigid binary of ‘natural’ and ‘unnatural’.

Kate Rusek’s research, writing, and artwork examines the connective edges and dissonant intersections between humanity, material culture, and the natural world. Rusek received two B.F.As from The University of Miami and an M.A from Savannah College of Art and Design. Rusek has been awarded residencies at The Archie Bray Foundation, Materials for the Arts, The Hambidge Center, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, and Vermont Studio Center among others. She is the Devra Freelander Fellow at Socrates Sculpture Park for 2023 and the recipient of a Windgate Distinguished Fellowship for Innovation in Craft. Rusek has exhibited her work In New York, Los Angeles, across Montana and the Pacific Northwest. Select exhibition venues include Socrates Sculpture Park, Trotter and Scholer, Mizuma, Kips, and Wada, The Vestibule, Geheim Gallery, Governors Island Art Fair, Spring Break Art Fair, and the Gallery of Visual Arts at The University of Montana. She will begin as the Artist in Resident at Sonoma Ceramics in July  2024.Additionally, Kate Rusek is a Daytime Emmy winner for her work on Sesame Street. She has built a career as a fine tailor, builder of fine and specialty costumes, and design/builder of puppets as a member of IASTE Local 764. She has contributed her expertise to the broader film, television, and theater industry for 15 years. This work informs a portion of the artist’s approach to devotional craftsmanship and materiality in her practice. Rusek currently splits her time between New York City and the Washington Coast.

IG: @thekaterusek