A World in Colour: New Resin Object Works by Kate Rohde

With the reopening of our Russell Place gallery last year came a vibrant new suite of resin vessels by Melbourne-based artist Kate Rohde. Known for her fantastical forms and luminous colour palettes, Rohde’s work blurs the boundary between sculpture and functional object. These latest pieces continue her exploration of organic, otherworldly shapes, where fluid surfaces and shifting tones give each work a sense of movement and personality. We spoke with Kate about the timing of these works, her approach to colour and form, and the possibility of creating custom variations for collectors.

PO8: These new vases arrived just as Pieces of Eight returned to our original Russell Place gallery. Did the move or the space itself influence the colours or forms you chose for these works?

KR: It was more a case of timing that the move coincided with having these new works ready, so it made sense to debut them as part of the relaunch of Russell Place.

Kate's Tall Nouveau Bud Vase

PO8: The colour transitions in these works are particularly striking, moving from soft pastels into more saturated tones. Can you tell us a little about your approach to colour and how these palettes come together in the making process?

KR: I'm generally quite experimental with colour and try throwing lots of combinations together to see what works for me. In this case as they were new pieces too, I was fine-tuning the resin amounts needed for each of the moulds, and how the colours land and move through the design. Once I have a sense of this, I experiment with different combinations to see what works well. Colour is also very subjective to the individual, so while I have my favourites, someone else will feel quite differently, so I try to work with all the colours and just see what happens.

PO8: Your works often feel wonderfully alive, with forms that appear almost naturally formed. When starting a new piece, do you begin with a clear concept, or does the material lead the process?

KR: I usually have a very general sense of the form I'm hoping to achieve and do a few quick sketches before launching into the making process. I model the pieces in sculpting plasticine which allows for a lot of detail work, but I can also be guided by more random accidents and placements of material that work out well.

The Lyrebird Vase

PO8: Many of our clients love how each piece feels completely unique. Do you see these vessels as part of a continuing series of forms, or does each one emerge as its own individual character?

KR: Each one is kind of an individual character, but I think because of my overall style and aesthetic they can sit together nicely and be an extended and ever growing family of sorts.

PO8: For collectors who fall in love with these forms, is it possible to commission similar works in custom colour combinations?

KR: Yes, it definitely is, although I would always suggest not getting overly prescriptive as the colours land differently each time!

The Hoof & Antler Vase

Kate Rohde’s vessels & art objects bring a sense of playful wonder to Pieces of Eight gallery, with each piece a sculptural world of colour and form. Whether displayed as a functional vase or as a standalone artwork, these works capture the artist’s distinctive approach to material and imagination. You can explore the latest pieces by Kate Rohde online or visit us at our Russell Place gallery to experience them in person.