Kate McNamara, the founder of ZEAL Creative Studios, is a community-taught potter and photographer. 

Kate makes one-of-a-kind stoneware pieces. Her style on the wheel and in hand-building is intentionally exploratory, aimed at practicing letting go of expected results and being present. She follows where the clay wants to take her on any given day and turns out functional pieces like vases, mugs, bowls, and more. 

Behind the lens, Kate captures a mixture of candid and styled moments that are bright and airy. She loves documentary-style sessions or studio space filled with natural light. Her goal is to provide a visual narrative of your time spent with loved ones. Kate believes the beginning of a gallery is nothing like the end, when you can see people letting their guard down and full belly-laughing. 

Kate’s a graduate from Algonquin College’s advertising program, and her professional background in marketing and communications has served her well as an entrepreneur.