Check Out Amy Gordon’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Gordon.

Hi Amy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I live in Los Angeles, California. After a career as a graphic designer and fashion art director, I spent the next 20+ years raising my three wonderful children.

One summer day, my three dogs escaped (as they often do) and wandered into a neighbors yard. It was then that I met Jacqueline Stanford, a former triathlete and neighbor of 18 years now running a pottery workshop out of her backyard. Out of curiosity, I signed up for one of her classes and serendipitously found my passion for the wheel.

I fell in love. It wasn’t long before I had a studio of my own where I found myself spending hours perfecting my craft. I started with simple concepts like bowls and vases then transitioned into more intricate pieces like lamps and carved vessels. Most of my work is wheel throw although I do some hand builds pieces as well that are very intricate and all are 100% handmade. I”m not sure how, but I have built quite a following on Instagram. People seem to be very fascinated with the craft. I have also had many of my videos reposted and then the word just spreads.

If I’m not behind the wheel, I’m either cooking, tending to my chickens, digging in my vegetable garden, or playing with my crazy dogs.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle I would say is getting people to understand how time-consuming the pottery process is and why the high prices are justified. Sure you can go into Pottery Barn and buy a very nice machine-made vase, but you will not have a one of a kind, handmade and even customized piece. Some of my vases take 2-3 days just to create. Then they need to dry for about a week, then sanded, then fired once so they can receive the glaze and then fired a second time. And then I have to pray that there will be no cracks or explosions or irregularities with the glaze. So basically, there is a lot of things that can go wrong. So when you get a perfect piece it’s quite an accomplishment!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m most well known for my intricate botanical vases in a deep black clay. They are my favorite to create Each one takes 2-3 days to create and I’m very proud of them. My hand-carved pieces are also very well received and most requested.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Simply reach out. It is literally just me in the studio so I’m always open to new ideas.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.AGceramics.shop
• Instagram: agceramics.shop

Image Credits
Susan Vizvary Photography for the very first image of me sitting at the wheel. All other images are my own.