Amy Irish

Amy Irish creates wheel thrown, red earthenware pottery with joyful, painterly surfaces. Layers of slip and underglazes are applied using various techniques to create textural imagery on the surface of the clay. Some techniques are familiar favorites while others are experiments to seek a deeper connection with the materials. Hand-cut paper is used to form illustrations that are reminiscent of collage-style scenes from her favorite childhood picture books. Brushing, stamping, sgraffito, and slip trailing add additional detail and depth. Every piece is intentionally designed not just for beauty, but for function and comfort: handles are designed to feel like an extension of the hand, and the weight of the clay body is evenly dispersed. 

"My inspirations come from the little things in the world around me. My children, the garden, and preparing food for my family are all sources of joy that I hope to share and connect with you through clay." ~ Amy Irish, Hillsborough NC