Changarrito Residency: Katie Martin Lightfoot

About the Artist

Katie Martin Lightfoot (she/her) is a native Texan ceramic artist whose work is shaped by a deep love for nature, humanity, and the places where they meet. As a biracial woman of Indian and Mexican heritage, Katie carries stories in her hands every time she touches clay. Her art practice is a form of remembering and belonging. It is her way to honor the histories that shaped her, the land that holds her, and the moments in the in-betweens. 

Katie is a hand-building ceramic artist specializing in slab, coil, and sculptural forms. Clay grounds and connects her. Her practice reminds her of the earth her ancestors walked, the textures of ritual, and the warmth of shared spaces and experiences. She follows each piece from raw clay to a fired form. She hopes her work evokes feelings of home, togetherness, and joy.

An advocate by day, Katie holds two master’s degrees in public policy and social work from the University of Texas at Austin. She and her husband, Matt, own Martfoot Made Clay Goods, a small-batch ceramics studio in Austin, Texas. Their work has been featured at various shows including the Greater Austin Clay Artists (GACA) studio tour, the Austin Studio, the Front  Market, and more.  She has also taught handbuilding classes to kids and adults. In 2025, Katie was an Artist-in-Residence at Big Bend National Park. A self-proclaimed adventurous homebody, Katie finds inspiration in public lands, travel, cooking, community, and the native plants and creatures she lovingly tends in her garden. She lives in Austin with Matt, three cats, and pup.

Artist Statement

I create clay work that is rooted in land, nostalgia, and belonging. As a biracial brown woman of Mexican and Indian heritage, I carry lineage in my hands every time I touch clay. My practice is a way of returning to the earth, to my ancestors, and to the quiet in-between moments of life. 

Since a young age, I have always been drawn to creative pursuits. Clay found me in my adulthood during a time where I was seeking a deeper connection to myself, community, and the earth. My clay journey centers on handbuilding, a method that allows me to work slowly and intuitively with clay. I specialize in slab, coil, and sculptural techniques. I often begin with flat slabs or rolled coils then allow the clay to tell a story through shaping each piece by hand. I create detailed sculptural work as well as freehand carved pieces. My work starts with raw clay that is then transformed through hand building, firings, and glazing to its final, fired form. When I hold raw clay in my hands, I am instantly grounded. Clay is from the earth, and pottery is a skill that has been practiced for thousands of years. Clay has gifted me the opportunity to feel rooted to the land while honoring the human experience. 

Changarrito’s informal, community-centered spirit resonates deeply with me. As someone who struggles with calling themself an artist, the concept of Changarrito breaks down barriers in an uplifting and affirming way that feels authentic. I believe art should be accessible, personal, and woven into everyday life as opposed to being distant or gatekept. Sharing my work through Changarrito feels like an invitation to be in community in a meaningful way. I’m excited for the opportunity to show up as both a community artist to exchange stories, experiences, and the simple joy of handmade objects. At its core, my practice is an offering to the land, my lineage, and connection. I hope to create pieces that help people feel a little more at home in themselves and in the world.