Kate Rusek is a sculptor and textile artist based in New York City. Her practice considers human connectivity, material culture and the natural world through craft. Influenced by man-made environmental catastrophes, personal relationships, and ecological patterns, she assemble highly tactile sculptures transmuting this landscape into abundant maximalism. Engaging with history laden excess, Rusek shapes scenes that juxtapose the natural world and the manufactured. Iterative making from synthetic and highly processed elements is an action to reinterpret urban ruin into an anti-economic act of rebellion. Shapes are dictated by biological inspiration and material capabilities. Manipulation vacillates between repetitive meditative techniques and broad, energetic, community engaged flattenings. Both are essential energies, dynamic in their contrast. Through a multidisciplinary approach, Rusek’s work functions as a method to pose questions about perception, the valuable, and positing a regenerative future. Rusek received dual B.F.As from The University of Miami in 2007 and an M.A from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2012. She has exhibited her work at venues throughout New York City including Mizuma, Kips, and Wada, Site: Brooklyn, La Bodega Gallery, Chashama Galleries, Governors Island Art Fair, and Portal Art Fair. Additionally, Kate Rusek is an Emmy winning costume and puppet designer. Additional freelance clients include The Jim Henson Company, NBC Universal, Netflix, and the greater New York City performing arts community. Rusek is currently based in New York City and works from her studio in Queens.
