Katherine Fichtler graduated from the University of Montana where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying under Rudy Autio. Always having had a love of clay, in Montana she learned how to bring the natural world
into her creations. Ever since, her trademark as an artist has been the incorporation of natural elements, primarily leaves, in her pottery.
The process begins when a leaf is pressed into the soft clay before firing. When the clay is fired, the extreme heat burns away the leaf leaving a perfect impression behind. After glazing and a second firing, the piece is finished.
