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My Pottery Story

I originally planned to attend medical school, but after my first year of college, a series of life-changing events shifted my perspective on what "success" really meant. I realized that the conventional path I had imagined wasn’t aligned with my true calling. I decided to forge a new path—one that embraced my creativity, unpredictability, and a vision of a radically artistic life.

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At 19, inspired by Joseph Campbell’s wisdom, I made the life-changing decision to "follow my bliss." I switched my major and spent the rest of my college years immersed in the pottery studio.

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After graduation, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a paid apprentice in a production pottery studio in Lake McQueeney, Texas (of all places!). I came across the ad in Ceramics Monthly—$4 an hour—and jumped at the chance. I worked there for almost a year, 40 to 60 hours a week, throwing countless cylinders.

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During that time, I focused solely on wet clay work—throwing and trimming. There were other teams for glazing and firing, and I was one of about 10 potters on the wheel, the only woman in the group.

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The McQueeney Potters were a colorful and diverse crew: Thanh Binh ("Tea") Duong, Craig McMillan, Vicente Garcia, Alan Miner, Zoltan Schubert from the Czech Republic, Teddy from Bulgaria, Ed, and a few others. As the only official apprentice, I was fortunate to work directly alongside the master potters. Thanh Binh and I eventually fell in love, and after my apprenticeship ended, we moved to Eugene, Oregon, where we started Circle Dove Pottery together.

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I learned so much from Thanh Binh during those years—he was not only my partner but also my true pottery mentor. His wisdom continues to shape my work and approach to life, and I am forever grateful for the time I spent with him.

 

Eventually, I began developing my own line and style under the name "Amy the Potter." For over 20 years, I sold my work almost exclusively at the Eugene Saturday Market, building my own identity as a potter.

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Alongside pottery, I have explored many other passions: Nia, Processwork, Realization Process Meditation, Bioenergy, Coaching—and I even wrote an inspirational memoir about dating in my forties! I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to pursue so many interests.

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Recently, my partner Nima and I moved to California, where we now have a beautiful indoor/outdoor pottery studio overlooking Monterey Bay. It’s a dream come true! Nima is the most amazing studio support—always working behind the scenes to improve our studio life.

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This year, I’ve been feeling creatively inspired and have pushed myself to develop new forms, experiment with glazes, and embrace innovations that allow my style to evolve.

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The most exciting part of my current pottery journey is my Mad Skills Pottery Apprenticeship Cohort.

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The 2024 cohort way exceeded my expectations. It was so wonderful to grow as a group of potters, learning and pushing our edges together. I’m so proud of how much progress we made!

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Apply for the 2025 Mad Skills Pottery Apprenticeship Cohort (starts in March)

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I offer the following ONLINE programs:

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1. Self-Guided Mad Skills Wheelthrowing Program
   Open to all skill levels. Start anytime, work at your own pace, and have access to two community open studios per month with ongoing coaching via a private Facebook group. This program offers less contact but lots of content.

2. Mad Skills Apprenticeship Cohort
   This high-contact program is designed for motivated potters with wheel-throwing experience. It’s a 9-month program with live online classes, twice a week, for students from all over the world. We take a break every sixth week.

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To apply for the 2025 cohort, submit your application by January 10, 2025.

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