Kate Mess (formerly Kate Bauman) is a contemporary jeweler, artist, and designer musing on enamel, metal, pattern and ornamentation in rugged and gorgeous midcoast Maine. Inspired to make jewelry that pushes boundaries and offers new definitions of what adornment can be, she is intrigued by clever design, color, patter … Read more Kate Mess (formerly Kate Bauman) is a contemporary jeweler, artist, and designer musing on enamel, metal, pattern and ornamentation in rugged and gorgeous midcoast Maine. Inspired to make jewelry that pushes boundaries and offers new definitions of what adornment can be, she is intrigued by clever design, color, pattern, and silhouette.

Kate designs and makes all of her jewels in her cozy studio in her converted barn home, nestled away in the coastal Maine woods. She is continuously inspired by the everchanging landscapes, textures and forms, and the Maine way of life.

Kate received a BFA in Metal and Graphic Design at the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2006, and an MFA in Metal from SUNY New Paltz in 2008. Kate has exhibited in the United States and internationally, notably representing the US in Talente 2008 in Munich, Germany, exhibiting in Siamo Qui in Florence, Italy, American Enamels at The Society of Arts and Crafts, Boston, and receiving a juror’s award in Surfacing, The Enamelist Society’s juried exhibition. She maintains an active studio practice in midcoast Maine and teaches Jewelry & Metalsmithing and 2D Design at Southern Maine Community College.