Artist: Amanda Zimlich

My journey in ceramics began in 2023 after attending a workshop, and grew into an obsession. Now, after 30 years of a professional career as a chef, I experience the same satisfaction in clay as I have for many years cooking food.

My work is markedly influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 1900s. This movement's philosophy embraces craftsmanship, embracing the natural world and resisting the impersonal stamp of industrialization. It is to ceramics as "farm-to-fork" is to modern cuisine. The movement's framework, highlighting raw beauty, seasonality and simplicity with intention makes my transition from food to clay appear not quite so random.

I am currently pursuing a Mastery of Ceramic Arts with The Ceramic School, where I am learning from and with ceramic artists from all over the world in a new mentorship program. Leveraging the expertise and coaching of my artist mentors, I am currently focusing on perfecting throwing techniques with porcelain and developing unique spraying and dipping glazes for my work. The landscapes and wildlife of the San Juan Islands serve as my muse as I experiment with sculptural designs and textures.

My studio is adjacent to my inn, Otters Pond Bed and Breakfast, on Orcas Island. I invite you to stop in and shop my showcase by the entry way, make an appointment to visit me in my studio, or shop this site! I look forward to sharing my art with you.