ARTIST STATEMENT

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The human form has long held a fascination for me. I use soapstone and alabaster, stones that took billions of years to form in the earth, to tell a visual story. The energy of the stone comes forth as I chip away at the outer layers to reveal the essence of the image hidden within. My work explores the mythology of life, the daydreams, joys and sorrows, represented by ethereal creatures such as mermaids and celestial beings.

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And, then there are the animals. Each have their own symbolic meanings. Rabbit — luck, magical power, success, abundance. Toad — new life, fruitfulness, prosperity. Dragon — protection, strength, courage. Cow — abundance & fertility, patience, holiness, new beginnings. I am currently working on a series of ancient animal goddess sculptures, which incorporate both human and animal form. 

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I also make moulds of my stone carvings and cast them in glass. The glass adds another dimension of delight as light can pass through them and give them a new fascination.

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BIOGRAPHY

Raised in Antigo, Wisconsin, Bradley studied art and theatre in college. She worked in experimental theatre in Denver, Colorado as an actress performing in plays by emerging playwrights. Returning to Wisconsin, she studied art at the University of Wisconsin and Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD).

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She painted in oils until she was introduced to stone carving, which ignited her love for three dimensional form. Her process is to carve directly into the stone without first making a model from another medium such as clay or plaster.

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Using human and animal forms, Kate assimilates the attributes of ancient goddesses and the symbolic meanings of animals to signify their impact on our lives.

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Ever a student, Bradley continually engages in self-study. She attended Indiana Limestone Symposium to experience carving with pneumatic tools. She studies glass casting with Kristin Thielking at her studio in Amherst Junction, Wisconsin.

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