Functional Ceramic Art, More Than Just Pottery

Amy Johnson

Growing up in a small-town I was not exposed to art on very many levels. I knew I loved to draw, but that was really my only creative outlet. Being the late bloomer that I am, I decided at the age of 25 to start college. I ordered a course catalogue knowing full well I was going into Engineering. I had many years of Mechanical Drafting experience from High School as well as a State Certificate for Drafting from a Technical School.

Opening the catalogue for the first time, it naturally parted to the Art section. I took that as a sign and enrolled. I don’t remember actually turning to the Engineering section, but I’m sure it was a good read.

It only took me a year to change my major from Graphic Design to Ceramics and less time than that to understand that drawing wasn’t what I loved; it was simply the only outlet for creativity I had known. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I graduated in May 2002 and moved that same summer to Fort Collins, Colorado. While working full-time jobs I struggled to keep my art alive. I lucked up and got into a great little home studio, Clay Fish, where I worked for a little more than a year until it closed.

Then, in 2005, the Northern Colorado Potters Guild and Studio opened. It was here where I was truly able to streamline my designs and gain the confidence in my work it takes to be a full-time Artist. In the past year I ended my non-art career and jumped in with both feet. My biggest support has been my husband. His confidence in my abilities and his encouragement has allowed me to make my dream a reality.

My creative instinct compels me to express myself through ceramic art. I produce functional wares in an effort to bring the beauty of art into people's every day. I feel that full enjoyment of my work comes with it being used: drinking coffee from the mug, baking a casserole and presenting it in the dish, eating an ice cream sundae from the bowl, adds to the piece. I want people to enjoy serving up one of their lovely dishes in one of my lovely dishes.