BIO.

Kate Mess crafts contemporary jewelry and objects that are bold and edgy in both form and concept. Her collections reveal a creative dichotomy: pure formal and color explorations balanced with restrained color and conceptual forms, made with careful attention to detail. Inspired to make jewelry that pushes boundaries and offers new definitions of adornment, she is intrigued by the inherent nature of her materials, clever design, color, pattern, and silhouette. She designs and makes all jewelry by hand in her studio in rugged and gorgeous midcoast Maine.

A native of Wisconsin, Mess (formerly Kate Bauman) began her studies in Metal and Graphic Design at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, receiving her BFA in 2006. She then attended the State University of New York – New Paltz for an MFA in Metal in 2008. Kate has exhibited in the United States and internationally, notably representing the US in Talente 2008 in Munich, Germany, exhibiting in Siamo Qui in Florence, Italy, American Enamels at The Society of Arts and Crafts, Boston, Emaux At This Moment curated by renowned enamelist Jamie Bennett at Galerie Noel Guyomarc’h in Montreal, Quebec, and receiving a juror’s award in Surfacing, The Enamelist Society’s juried exhibition. She maintains an active studio practice in Midcoast Maine.

Kate’s jewelry is currently available at the CMCA Shop in Rockland, Maine, The Good Supply in Pemaquid, Maine, (KoT) Contemporary Functional Craft in Ellsworth, Maine, and Heidi Lowe Gallery in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.