Artist Statement
My approach to each work is rooted in my interest in the space between fine arts, design, and craftsmanship. I create within this fascinating intersection using my hands, head, and heart.
I am deeply committed to the handmade aspects of my work, and my vision is to create contemporary sculptural art through the combination of organic mediums that connect the viewer to the natural world by exploring geometric shapes, repetitive patterns, and abstract imagery.
Katarina Tifft
Meet the Artist
I’m a self-taught artist based in Gainesville, Florida, originally from Slovakia (formerly Czechoslovakia). A free spirit at heart, I embrace life, laughter, and the adventure of the unknown. Leaving my home country at a young age and experiencing the world shaped me in ways I never could have imagined. Life eventually brought me to Florida.
Creativity has always been part of who I am, but my artistic journey began in 2020 during an unexpected pause in life. What started as a personal experiment with shells quickly became a deep creative calling. The slow, deliberate process of arranging each shell, finding rhythm in repetition, and allowing a composition to take shape became a form of meditation—one that continues to drive my work today. This intentional approach is at the heart of every piece I create.
Over the past few years, my work has gained recognition through social media, leading to commissions from private collectors, interior designers, and art consultancies. Today, I create bespoke sculptural works for both residential and public spaces across Florida, the U.S., and internationally—each piece thoughtfully designed to connect people, places, and nature.
The Creative Process
I approach the creative process with a sense of exploration, allowing myself to follow new ideas wherever they lead. The endless possibilities of shaping patterns and textures excite me, though sometimes the creative process feels like a puzzle I can't walk away from—equal parts thrilling and perplexing. The artistic process is deeply fulfilling. It keeps me curious, engaged, and always growing as an artist.
My work carries me beyond shells into new mediums and I approach them with the same patience. I work intuitively, letting the materials guide me. The process is slow, deliberate, and deeply immersive.
Collaboration and experimentation play a vital role in this work, opening pathways into forms that remain rooted in nature and craftsmanship while embracing a sustainable future. I am on a journey that continues to unfold, guided by curiosity and a deep respect for the natural world.
Inspiration
My creativity is sparked by the details often overlooked— geometric forms, the soft symmetry of organic shapes, and the natural patterns visible in everyday life. Coastal living and interior design also influence my work, shaping how I integrate balance and movement into each piece.
I find endless inspiration in nature and the harmony it brings to designed spaces.
Philosophy
Every material I work with is chosen with care, sourced responsibly and in collaboration with artisans who share my values. For me, art is not only what I create with my hands, but also the connection behind it: the natural world that provides, and the people who gather, shape, and craft with respect. Each Shellscape® reflects that connection — an expression of nature, collaboration, and design.
