For Customers and Students:

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 idea 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 wheel 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 became my greatest 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, love-infused 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 even wrote a memoir about dating in my forties. Each path has deepened my creativity and sense of connection to humanity.

 

Recently, my partner Nima and I moved to California, where we’ve built a beautiful indoor/outdoor studio overlooking Monterey Bay—a dream come true! Nima keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes, allowing me to focus on creating and teaching.

 

Since beginning to teach online, I’ve felt more inspired than ever—pushing my forms, experimenting with glazes, and letting my style evolve.

Today, I’m surrounded by a thriving community of potters who feel like family. Together, we learn, share ideas, and grow through my Mad Skills Pottery Apprenticeship programs:

 

Mad Skills Pottery Programs

 

Self-Guided Mad Skills Apprenticeship Program
Open to all levels. Start anytime, work at your own pace, and join two monthly open studios with ongoing coaching via our private Facebook group. Less contact, lots of content.

 

Mad Skills Apprenticeship Cohort
A high-contact, 9-month intensive for motivated potters with wheel-throwing experience. Includes live online classes twice a week with students from around the world. (Next course: 2027)

 

Mad Skills Fundamentals
A 3-month crash course in wheel-throwing basics—cylinders, bowls, and bottles. Great for all levels.

 

All of my programs blend pottery skills with life skills. My goal is to help students quiet the inner critic, embrace authenticity, and find joy in both clay and life. I weave my training in movement, embodiment, somatic meditation, and Processwork into everything I teach—so you get far more than just throwing skills. It's an experience—and community—that lasts a lifetime.