Kate Rusek lives and works in Queens, NY. Her research, writing, and artwork examines the connective edges and dissonant intersections between humanity, material culture, and the natural world. Influenced by complex organic architectures, man-made environmental catastrophes, and eco-social systems, Rusek assembles highly tactile sculptures, textile, and installation with an emphasis on craft and materiality. Her work transmutes wasting and waste matter into abundant, maximalist, composite forms and dynamic biophilic textures that interrogate assigned value, material narrative, and a rigid binary of ‘natural’ and ‘unnatural’.
Rusek received two B.F.As from The University of Miami and an M.A from Savannah College of Art and Design. Rusek has participated in residencies at Archie Bray Center for Ceramic Arts, Hambidge Center for the Arts, Goggle Works Center for the Arts, Vermont Studio Center and Western Montana Open AIR. She is the recipient of The Devra Freelander Fellowship at Socrates Sculpture Park and a Windgate Distinguished Fellowship for Innovation in Craft.
Rusek has exhibited her work at venues including Spring Break Art Fair, Socrates Sculpture Park, Mizuma, Kips, and Wada, Site Gallery, Studio Archive, La Bodega Gallery, Geheim Gallery, Governors Island Art Fair, and the Gallery of Visual Arts at The University of Montana.
Additionally, Kate Rusek is a Daytime Emmy winner for her work on Sesame Street. She is a tailor, builder of costumes and puppets, and a proud member of IASTE Local 764, Theatrical Wardrobe Union. She has contributed her expertise to the film and television industry with work for The Jim Henson Company, NBC Universal, HBO, Apple+, and Hulu.