Sensitive to place and current issues, my mosaics are an emotional response to my surroundings. Though more widely known for my representational compositions, my work has changed significantly in recent years, delving into abstract and exploring sculptural substrates. With this shift, has come deeper meaning. Current issues, such as the global pandemic, racial tensions and environmental concerns have prompted me to react and to find new ways to express it.

My work is rooted in tradition, as mosaic is one of the oldest forms of art. I use the classic hammer and hardie to cut either stone or glass (smalti), the two traditional materials used. Each piece (tessera) is hand dipped in glue or placed into mortar; each tessera is placed with intention. Its relation to the surrounding tesserae affects the texture, the flow and the color of the overall mosaic.

Kerrigan has been a mosaic artist for 23 years.  She studied classic techniques and materials in Venice and Ravenna, Italy. She has been awarded, recognized and published on national and international levels and is widely known in the mosaic community.  Her work has been shown in Italy and Turkey, and throughout the United States. She actively shows in Oregon and California. A Wisconsin native, Kate currently produces at her studio in Redmond, OR.