Katja Pott’s creative mind doesn’t fit into just one box. She’s a painter, photographer, fashion designer, sculpturist… not to mention a finance specialist by day!
“Art in all shapes and forms has captivated me from a very young age. I started with painting, photography, music and fabrics. During my later studies, I loved creating sculptures and assemblages. I go with the flow, mixing my inspiration with patience and discipline.”
The only rule she maintains is to always keep painting in between other projects.
Katja draws inspiration from reading, opera and visiting art galleries. Contemporary art, art history and current world events are all things that sooner or later find their way into her works.
Despite her bright personality and eye-catching outfits in real life, Katja remains basically invisible online. “I find marketing myself extremely challenging,” she admits. Getting up close and personal with her art is possible at MACANDMOR pop-up shop at Tauranga’s Goddards Centre or her upcoming solo exhibition at The Incubator in July 2021. She’s also planning a sculpture exhibition called Artist Between Three Countries that was inspired by her art studies at Charles Darwin University in Australia and her personal experience of being torn between several countries.
Artist between three countries
How is it possible to combine working with figures and a creative career?
People often ask me how I can work in finance as an artist. As I love figures and calculations, these often come into play when working on my sculptures and assemblages. I like the structure of my day job alongside my abstract creative mind. One doesn’t rule out the other and I can combine them quite easily.
Do you have a favourite piece out of all you’ve created?
I am particularly fond of some of my pastel and oil paintings. I love looking at them at home. They make me happy and give me a sense of accomplishment.
Oil on a canvas Oil on a timber Me as a Tree in the Desert Me as a Tree Looking for Wisdom
What do you like about living and working in Tauranga?
Tauranga has my kind of people and lifestyle. I feel very much at home here. I have the variety of people, art, music, culture and landscapes I need without living in a big city. The art scene is vibrant, open and friendly, which is so important to me.