Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Cox.
Hi Amy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My story begins in the heart of coastal South Carolina. The beach was my playground and the spark that ignited my creativity. I attended Coastal Carolina University where I pursued an art degree with a focus on the ceramic arts, it was where I truly discovered my passion for clay. Shortly after graduation I moved to Atlanta and joined a small co-op where I broadened my reach with sculptural clay and started building a production line of artwork.
Creatively Georgia fell short of inspiration, and along with feeling landlocked, I made my way back home. Crossing the dunes and breathing in that sweet salty sea air my mind and sketchbook were immediately overflowing with ideas and I got to work. I slowly built a line of pottery that was crafted from my passion for the beach and the joy of creating in clay.
I have toured the entire southeast from Virginia Beach to Key West selling my pottery in art shows and seaside shops for the past 18 years. I currently work from my home studio and enjoy the freedom to work while homeschooling my 2 boys and helping my husband in his sailing school.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Never without challenges, but that’s the best part! The rough roads are where you learn the biggest lessons. I owned a retail shop with my husband when we first moved back from Atlanta. While it was the best thing to happen to me, it was the worst. I endured a crash course in the ups and downs of retail and living in an extremely seasonal town.
There was a very short window to make your living. So we decided to cut ties with our permanent location and hit the road. Traveling to shows on the east coast opened up a new set of challenges but they came with more freedom and a great community of other artists and mentors that helped me along my path.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a ceramic artist and I specialize in heirloom ornaments, candles, and wave bowls. My desire is to build each piece by hand without the use of commercial kits or molds. All of my designs will have a variation in color, size, and texture only adding to the uniqueness of each finished piece.
My trusty rolling pin is my tool of choice, I hand roll each slab one at a time, cutting out and shaping each ornament or dish by hand. It’s a labor of love, but if I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t do it. I am proud of my pottery when a customer holds an ornament or smells a candle and it triggers a smile or a memory.
My goal is to leave my patrons finding a relaxing moment of a good beach day when they look at my work.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe building a business on your passion is very risky. You become a very narrow niche and you can be vulnerable to lots of criticism. “Why don’t you make mugs? or things with flowers, birds, bugs, etc.
That’s not where my heart lies.
I know I can create a bird, but I build a much better starfish! My love for all things coastal, Lowcountry, and South Carolina is translated into the clay with more ease. With anything else, it would look like I am trying too hard.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beachpottery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/albatrosspottery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/albatrosspottery
