I met Amy from Olaria Studios at the 2011 Indie Craft Experience, holiday edition, (i’m pretty sure she doesn’t remember me chatting her up, soo many people!). I instantly fell in love with the textures and patterns found on her pieces of jewelry. So when she contacted us about carrying her work, I was thrilled! Some intense negotiations followed and low and behold when I walked into the shop today, there was her work hanging on the display. My day was made.
Here’s some info I stole from Amy’s site:
Olaria Studio is the busy little design/clay studio and website run by Amy McClure. Currently based in Atlanta, GA, having been influenced by opportunities in Birmingham, AL as well Boston, MA. Olaria simply means pottery in Portuguese, which Amy kind of speaks after having spent some time in Brazil after college.
Amy’s Bio:
“I create all the pieces that you see on this site by hand. I learned this particular skill at the University of Montevallo and have since developed into more of a jewelry-maker of sorts, even though I enjoy a lot of mediums such as graphic design and printmaking…as well becoming a fan of letterpress & even more recently, a novice metalsmith. I use some printmaking & graphic design elements to give my work a playfulness as well, bringing a little bit of modernity to the traditional expectations of works in clay.”
Process:
“Currently, I like to incorporate the use of found objects to embellish the formal qualities of my work such as texture, color & design. Keeping an eye toward function & quality is also an important part of the creative process for me. I use mid to high-fire clay & glazes, which offer me a range of finishes & natural variations. I use an array of slips, stains, glazes, underglazes, & even a few overglazes to create my work.”
Inspiration:
“What inspires me is thinking about things being beautiful in their everyday place, like within the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movement around the turn of the century. Things had functionality & encompassed a lot of different mediums. There was a touch of femininity & natural elements that were used in the most unexpected places. I hope it inspires you as well!”
We have many more pieces in stock, so come check them out and show your support for one of Atlanta’s own. We will also be hosting a trunk show or two from her, so stay tuned!
-holly
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