During & after college, Amy spent roughly a year in Brazil. Upon returning home, it seemed ideal for Amy to consider the extent to which a language & people taught her about herself as well as her worldview as she continued to develop her ability to be creative in life. "The Brazilian culture, for the most part, tends to have enough room in themselves to allow people to be who they are & are not so naive to think they can control as much as they would like in people or situations. This concept is key in so much more than just being an artist." As a small & personal reminder of this, Amy chose the portuguese word "Olåria," to name her studio. Let your vocal chords linger over the second syllable of the word in order to pronounce it correctly, if you like.

Portuguese word for pottery or hand-made objects of clay.

Amy translates those impressions in a medium she continues to learn more about everyday--clay. She uses mid to high-fire clay & glazes, which give her the range of finishes & natural variations she grew to love while using the numerous kilns at the Univerisity of Montevallo, though she personally has only one kiln. Though Amy enjoys a variety of mediums, sitting down at the potter’s wheel becomes a reminder of the joy in the process. “I like to think about things being beautiful in their everyday place, like in the art nouveau movement. Things had functionality & encompassed a lot of different mediums.” She augments the development of current clay work with the drawing & painting skills she honed during her college years.

Olaria (oh-LAH-ree ah) n.

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THE WORK

THE INSPIRATION