Ann Marie Cooper
Good Earth Pottery
Bellingham, Washington
Website
www.annmariecooper.com
Artist Statement
I strive to make ceramics that please both the eye and the hand, to become part of daily life. I choose coils as my method because I love the texture, the visual interest, and the abounding possibilities.
Studio Description
I have a small private studio located in my backyard.
What type of clay do you use?
Mostly stoneware and occasionally porcelain
What temperature do you fire to?
Cone 6 electric and Cone 10 wood or soda; I hope to start Cone 6 soda firing soon.
What is your primary forming method?
Hand-rolled Coils
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Atmospheric firing
Do you make any of your own tools?
I make my own stencils for inlaid shapes, and stamps for slab work.
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Organic
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
Close proximity to home
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
My hands
What are your top three studio wishes?
More space, more shelves, my own wood kiln
What’s on your current reading list?
Soda, Clay & Fire by Gail Nichols
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
Membership in our state clay association comes with discounts from local clay suppliers.
How do you recharge creatively?
I always feel recharged after attending NCECA, or other demonstrations and artist talks. Also, spending time in contemplation while hiking.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
I'm working on pushing myself out of my comfort zone to make new forms.
What did your first piece look like?
My first piece was made from teeny-tiny coils—like crispy rice noodles.
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
Patricia Morse, because she taught me how to coil.
What is on your studio playlist?
It depends on my frame of mind at the time—usually something peppy.
Why do you create art?
I love to make things that people can connect with on a personal level, and thus with me. I think our world hungers for more personal connection.
What is your best studio tip?
Put your tools back in the same spot immediately after use. I waste too much time looking for a tool after setting it down in the wrong place.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
Shrinkage
