Courtney Hunter
I am a ceramic artist living and working in Seattle. I live in Ballard, a quiet neighborhood near the Puget Sound with views of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains. I came to clay as a way to unwind from a fulfilling albeit exhaustive career as a New York City fashion designer. I quickly found myself enthralled by this new medium, as it was the only thing that could get me out of the office before 6 pm. It wasn’t until my husband and I moved to Seattle and had our first child, that I allowed myself to think bigger. I began thinking of clay beyond a serious hobby and took the semi-dramatic leap of leaving the safety of my corporate job. Since this change of living a more artistic and intentional life, I haven’t looked back. I have been honing my craft and creating the pieces that I want to see in the world and live with in my own home.
Like many others, clay didn’t come super easily to me. I struggled on the wheel for years and it wasn’t until I discovered hand-building and put in hours of practice on the wheel that I could make the pieces I was dreaming up. Now my process combines wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques. I love incorporating both methods into my work, as it allows me to achieve results that go beyond the boundaries of each on their own. When creating, I place a strong emphasis on form, aiming to design objects that are not only utilitarian but also show signs of the handmade process. I am drawn to matte glazes that are subtle and easy to live with. When I build my pieces, I envision how they will be integrated into the lives of friends, family, and clients. My intention is for each piece to add an understated beauty to the home that can bring appreciation and calm to the routine of everyday life.
I had the pleasure of meeting Amanda serendipitously while attending her solo show at The Vestibule, a local art gallery in my neighborhood. I was a new mom navigating a new city, contemplating a career change to clay. I found myself on yet another stroll, yearning for connection and culture during this unfamiliar period. Amanda, by chance, was present at the gallery that day.
I was immediately captivated by her work, both conceptually and aesthetically. What struck me even more was Amanda's warmth, approachability, and deep knowledge of clay. She not only shared insights into her artistic process but also expressed a genuine interest in hearing about my own clay journey. In that moment, I felt an instant connection and immense gratitude for finding someone with whom I could discuss transitioning from clay as a hobby to pursuing it full time.
Amanda is a natural mentor, and this led to an invitation for me to assist her in her studio on a weekly basis. It became clear that we share an appreciation for color and the magic of natural light. Through our shared experiences in the studio, Amanda has not only been a mentor in my artistic endeavors but also a source of inspiration and guidance.