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In Above the Fold, we spotlight individual members of Coroflot's vibrant creative community. The idea is to take you behind the scenes and inside the minds of talented Coroflot members who we think are doing exceptional work. Coroflot was created by designers, for designers, and Above the Fold is the place where we can talk to creatives about work that we not only love, but think you'll love too!

Some of the most beautifully bizarre work I have seen to date on Coroflot belongs to Katherine Dey. As a painter, illustrator, sculptor, and maker of cakes, Katherine happily blurs the line between art and design, regardless of the medium. One of the fascinating things about Katherine's work is the way she uses her experience as a nurse as a source of creative inspiration. This can be seen in her body art, cakes, and medical simulations, all of which are almost freakishly detailed (in a good way). Though she creates plenty of wholesome, kid-friendly work, the projects that stand out – especially the cakes – are often gory and delightfully disturbing. This is what sets Katherine apart from other designers and artists, and also why we had to pick her brain about what drives her work.

Was there a specific moment in life where you realized you wanted to pursue a creative path?

I have always done something creative. Drawing has been this magical thing for me since I was a kid. With drawing and sculpting, I am able to imagine something and bring it to life. That hobby has evolved over time. Whatever is going on, I keep coming back to that.

Who are your design heroes?

My heroes are all people who have big impossible dreams and they are people who aren't afraid to work hard. There are almost too many to mention. I think my Mom and Dad are my main heroes.

You create everything from body art to dolls, illustrations, and cakes. Is there one medium you prefer the most, and is there something that drives you to want to create art across so many different platforms?

I am driven to make art that comes alive. I don't limit myself to a particular medium in that search. I find being able to work in different mediums keeps things interesting and fresh with more variety. Cakes are my favorite medium to work with. Being a food product means it is time sensitive. So I have to work quickly. I am also able to share it with others in a more intimate way. There is a visceral response as it is eaten. Cakes are often the centerpiece of special occasions and it is very special for me to be a part of that.

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One of your most notable projects posted on Coroflot is a series of cakes. Can you give us some insight on the process of designing and making your cakes?

First, we have the idea for a cake. The cakes usually require an armature to keep them upright. My husband Mark often takes the lead in designing and constructing the armature. We decide on a recipe and I go about baking the cakes. I prepare the modeling chocolate and the frostings. The cakes are placed on the armature and carved into the basic forms. Once the general form is blocked in, I frost the cakes and coat with modeling chocolate. I continue to work modeling details into the chocolate. I paint with a mixture of frosting and food coloring. We modify our process depending on the project.

Some of the cake designs may be seen as pretty dark in subject matter, plus the fact that they are so realistic looking. How do you come up with ideas?

I try to design cakes that bring out strong emotions in people. I want to wake people up and help them to imagine possibilities. My subject matter draws on my nursing background, my love of the natural world, and a lifelong interest in portraiture.

What's the most interesting reaction you've received about one of your cakes?

There is always a string of people questioning my mental health. For instance, with the baby cake, some people thought I supported eating infants. But I actually don't support that. I did take the opportunity to play off the strong feelings we have for infants. I do admit to that.

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Do you have any projects coming up that you are particularly excited about?

My husband and I will be renting a storefront for our cake business in Rochester, NY in the near future! We are very excited as this will open many possibilities for us with our cakes.

What is your favorite project that you've completed and why?

I can't say that I have a favorite project. I learn something new with whatever I do. I tend to enjoy more challenging and collaborative projects.

What tools (physical or digital) do you find yourself using repeatedly?

I frequently revisit my anatomy books. My very dear professor and artist Anthony Janello gave me several volumes of Toldt's Anatomy that I use a lot to refresh my understanding of the human body. For sculpting, I use homemade modeling tools, shish-kabob skewers, my hands, and dental instruments. But sometimes I have to make particular tools to fit the job.

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Do you have a ritual for getting in work/design mode (music you listen to, certain exercise, food you eat) aka a productivity tip?

I try to make sure that I am sleeping well, exercising, and eating healthy. It can be difficult to do these things at times with deadlines and a busy schedule. But taking the time to take care of my body helps me to think clearer and be more productive in the end.

Outside of your professional life, do you have any other creative outlets or hobbies?

When I am not working I love to spend time with my family. I am married with two small children. I am an avid runner. I like to compete in races. My family is also into mycology. We are members of our local mushroom club and like to find and identify mushrooms. Our favorite thing is to find edible mushrooms!

If you're stuck on a desert island and can only bring three (design) tools, what are they?

I would bring a lump of clay, my favorite modeling tool, and a cup of strong coffee.

Do you have any tips for getting the most out of your Coroflot portfolio?

I always post a link to my Coroflot website on my social media accounts. Coroflot is a great organization tool. Someone can quickly go through the projects I have in my portfolio and see high-resolution images of my work.

To see more of Katherine's work, check out her Coroflot portfolio!

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