Metalsmith Kat Cole captures quiet, fleeting moments in steel and glass, exploring the human experience through her exhibition, Meditations. She begins by cutting hand-drawn oval shapes from steel, embracing the imperfections of working this way. Using a rhythmic swinging hammer, Cole transforms the jagged edges of metal into soft, rounded forms. Eventually, the process leads to gleaming puddles of deep color. These rich enameled surfaces are set against bare, blackened steel. The resulting works reflect a search for peaceful moments in a chaotic world. For Cole, the repetitive physical act of creating this body of work provides intentional time to contemplate grief, loss, and how one builds a meaningful life. 

  

Kat Cole works from her home in Columbus, GA where she maintains a full-time studio practice. Cole is an artist, educator, and community collaborator. She received her MFA from East Carolina University and BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University. Kat Cole’s work is internationally recognized and has been exhibited across Europe, Asia, and North America. Her enamel work has been published in Lark Books’ 500 Enameled Objects, Schiffer Publishing’s Art Jewelry Today 3, Metalsmith Magazine, Ornament Magazine, American Craft, and Art Jewelry Magazine. Cole is included in numerous private and public collections including The Museum of Arts and Design, Racine Art Museum, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Enamel Foundation, and Houston Museum of Fine Art.  

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Image credit: Kat Cole, Bitter Green, 2025. Steel, enamel, and magnets. Courtesy of the Artist.