In an aesthetic experience, in the creation or the contemplation of a work of art,
the psychological conscience is able to attain some of its highest and most perfect fulfillments.
Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.

EXPERIENCE

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A graduate of Berea College, Amanda (Weigl) Middleton studied ceramics under professor Walter Hyleck. After graduation, she worked for Wolf Pottery in Nicholasville, KY producing functional pottery for sale at trade shows. Two years of development qualified Amanda for a position at Indiana University in Bloomington, to manage the recreational ceramics studio, open to students and non-students alike, in celebrating the love of the creative art of pottery. At IU’s recreational studio in Bloomington, Amanda taught wheel throwing and handbuilding classes. It was a season of forming friendships and participating in the craft community. In time, Amanda began to sell her hand-thrown works at the local farmer’s market as well as local gift shops. It was also during this time she was able to open her home studio to classes and local potters. After a shift in the weather of life, Amanda moved to Louisville, KY where she now manages a husband, four children, and an expanded home pottery studio.

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INSPIRATION

 

“My love is bold texture in harmony with smooth organic surfaces. I want my audience to desire to touch and to use each piece I produce. Functionality, for me, is a starting point to the creative process. To look at something beautiful is good, but to hold it, use it, and to live with it; the piece becomes a loved one, a happy place, a good memory and part of the family. This is my passion; producing good quality, desirable pottery that is sustainably used in everyday life.”

 

TECHNIQUE

 

I create functional, usable wares. While I incorporate some hand-building techniques, nearly all of my works are hand thrown on an electric wheel. Both of my clays, stoneware and porcelain, are fired to cone 6 oxidation. Glazes are carefully selected based on their food safety quality as well as durability (microwave and dishwasher safe). 

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