Kat + Roger Collection
Kat Hutter and Roger Lee’s work is often described as bold, warm, and playful – three words that also capture the artists themselves. As partners and collaborators, Kat + Roger create vessels that not only elevate interior spaces as art, but also enrich people’s lives through their usefulness. It was this shared purpose that sparked a multi-year collaboration with Pratt + Larson, culminating in a tile collection that’s truly a timeless desert dream.
Our partnership came full circle in April 2022, when we gathered at the Eutectic Gallery to celebrate the launch of the Kat + Roger Collection. “Here and Now” featured a vibrant and eclectic mix of Kat + Roger vessels paired with several tile concepts from the collection – fully capturing the magic of our collaboration.
A Shared Passion
Pratt + Larson owners Belle Iskowitz and Anthony Asch first met Kat + Roger at the duo’s art exhibition at Portland’s Eutectic Gallery in May 2019. Knowing that Kat + Roger had tile dreams, Belle and Anthony invited the duo to take a tour of Pratt + Larson’s tile studio.
When we met Belle and Anthony, we knew that they were both artists. They worked for the company, and we had a lot of appreciation for that.
Roger Lee
Kat + Roger
This initial meeting uncovered a mutual admiration and respect for each other’s work. As artists with a deep affinity for all things handmade, Kat + Roger knew a collaboration with Pratt + Larson could hold limitless potential. So we went to work, partnering closely with Kat + Roger to translate the graphic patterns, vibrant colors, and earthy textures of their ceramics into a dreamy tile collection.
That’s something that both of us are dedicated to is making it all ourselves. At least our own work…it’s really important that both of us have our hands on it. Not just coming up with the design and having someone else paint it on the pieces. This leads into why the collaboration has been so great for us.
Kat Hutter
Kat + Roger
Express the Imaginary
For this collaboration, our goal was simple – bring Kat + Roger’s vision to the world of tile. We started with one question: ‘what would it be like to unroll one of Kat + Roger’s pieces on a wall?’ Conceptually, this was new territory for the pair, as they were used to creating custom ceramic pieces on a smaller scale. Pratt + Larson’s expertise empowered Kat + Roger to think more expansively about what could be created using their designs as a medium.
We were in direct contact with Belle and Anthony which shows that they cared so much about making this right. Even the designs that we came up with might’ve been a little over the top for their general clients, but they respected everything we had to say.
Roger Lee
Kat + Roger
But first, we needed to get creative with our tilemaking process. Fully capturing the essence of a Kat + Roger vessel – from the organic, random speckles of the glaze to the sharp, clean edge of the arc – pushed us to experiment with new techniques that would elevate the entire collection.
Tile Dreams
The handmade nature of Pratt + Larson tile is what makes it unique – and this commitment to our art is embodied in the Kat + Roger Collection. Carefully crafted at our Portland studio, each tile comes to life through a blend of old and new techniques, embodying the bespoke quality of Kat + Roger’s ceramics.
“Working with Belle and Anthony, there’s just so much involved in the process. The company has such a dedication to craftsmanship and quality and people being involved in the process.”
Kat Hutter
Kat + Roger
The Arc is a focal point of the collection and also a signature element across Kat + Roger’s designs. Painted in-house by our team of artists, no two Arcs are exactly alike – the subtle differences in the edge of each Arc gives the collection its character.
Inspired by our West Coast landscape, the warm and earthy 10-color palette elevates the collection. Shades and hues vary from piece to piece, adding depth and dimension to a palette that’s exclusive to the Kat + Roger Collection.
In order to capture the natural clay textures of their high fired pottery, we apply several layers of glazes to each tile, creating variation in the speckles. These speckles range from a light mist to a heavier spot, exemplifying Kat + Roger’s iron rich vessels and producing an effect that’s nothing short of dazzling.
“We were just so blown away when they sent us the first samples. Knowing how many layers go on each tile. Getting those glaze colors as close to the palette that we had originally sent. Getting the arc to go from corner to corner. And then all the people that were involved in the formulating. So many little things. We were just blown away.”
Kat Hutter
Kat + Roger
A Dreamy Collaboration
The Kat + Roger Collection opens up a world of possibilities ranging from custom home projects to larger commercial spaces. Each element of the tile – from the arc to the speckle to the glazes – is designed to spark creativity, transforming spaces beyond a single application.
Hopefully what other people will be able to see is the range it has. There are some really beautiful neutrals in there – if you aren’t someone who likes super bright colors or a lot of contrast, there are options for you, and it can still have that Kat + Roger essence.
Kat Hutter
Kat + Roger
As raving fans of Kat + Roger’s work, this collection unites us around one shared passion – elevating the art of ceramics to enrich spaces and lives. We’re excited to see how our customers reimagine Kat + Roger’s art to realize their own timeless desert dreams.
The goal of this was to create a timeless collection both through the colors and patterns. Having Pratt + Larson help us create the medium – the tile itself – it really allows people to have control of their own designs. It’s an investment that people will live with and it will be a part of their lives. That’s a cool thing.
Roger Lee
Kat + Roger
Artists
Kat + Roger
Kat + Roger are partners and ceramicists based in Los Angeles. A passion for all things handmade has taken them all over the U.S. – from South Carolina to Oregon to California – helping them draw inspiration from their environments and pour it into their art. Kat + Roger’s high-fired stoneware combines classic shapes and graphic patterns with natural textures, influenced by the laid-back California lifestyle and Los Angeles’ vibrant maker community.