Amy Palatnick
is an artist, a mover, and a lover of life. She is passionate about getting people into their bodies and out of their heads so they can have deeper, more pleasure-based, experiences.
A potter, a dancer, a writer, and a therapist, Amy shares tons of inspirational content on social media. She teaches ongoing classes both in person and online and would love to have you join in!
My Projects Beyond Pottery
Can I Be Honest With You? is way more than a collection of (hilariously) entertaining dating stories.
Love Warriors and Best Friends Amy Palatnick and Jessica Donohue share spontaneous splashes of laughter and love.
Processwork is a therapeutic and facilitation model that values every voice, attitude, opinion, and perspective.
A Simple Practice that Cultivates
Profound Somatic Awareness
My Pottery Story
I had planned to go to medical school—but after my first year of college, a series of life-changing events reshaped my definition of “success.” I realized the conventional path wasn’t for me; I wanted a life rooted in creativity, intuition, and freedom.
At 19, inspired by Joseph Campbell’s advice to “follow your bliss,” I switched my major and spent the rest of my college years in the pottery studio.
After graduation, I found an ad in Ceramics Monthly for a “paid” apprenticeship at a production pottery studio in Lake McQueeney, Texas—$4 an hour! I jumped at the chance and spent nearly a year working 40–60 hours a week, throwing and trimming pots alongside about ten potters—each from a different corner of the world. I was the only woman on the wheelthrowing team.
As the studio’s only apprentice, I worked closely with the master potters, especially Thanh Binh (“Tea”) Duong. We eventually fell in love and, after my apprenticeship, moved to Eugene, Oregon, where we founded Circle Dove Pottery. Tea was my true pottery mentor, and his influence still shapes my work and life today.
Eventually, I branched out on my own as “Amy the Potter.” For over 20 years, I sold my colorful, made-with-love pots at the Eugene Saturday Market, building a loyal following and a deep bond with my community.
Along the way, I also explored many other passions—Nia, Processwork, Realization Process Meditation, Bioenergy, Coaching—and I even wrote a memoir about dating in my forties. Each path deepened my creativity and sense of connection to humanity.
Recently, my partner Nima and I moved to California, where I suddenly and surprisingly have landed in my dream studio overlooking the Monterey Bay! Nima is a huge support, helping me take much of what I do to the next level.
Since I began to teach online, I’ve felt more expanded and inspired than ever—pushing my forms, experimenting with glazes, and letting my style evolve.
I am blessed to be surrounded by a thriving community of potters who truly feel like family. Together, we learn, share ideas, and grow through my Mad Skills Pottery Apprenticeship programs.