#howiAMACO Insta Feature - Q&A with Natalie Ottley

Natalie Ottley

Instagram: @clayforbreakfast
Website: natalieottleyceramics.wordpress.com

Inspired by the organic forms found in nature, Natalie Ottley's work is something special. We are obsessed with her gorgeous earthenware creations! If you're searching for handmade pieces that capture the boundless beauty of the natural world, look no further!

How did you come to be interested in working with clay?

Ever since I was little I have been obsessed with art and horses, and that hasn't really changed! I took my first ceramics class in high school and had an amazing teacher. I was immediately devoted to the ceramic medium.

What inspires your work?

My fascination with the process of distortion and my desire to bond with the transformative nature of the ceramic medium inspires my work. I am very interested in the subtle beauties of form and texture and hope to portray a sense of biomorphic familiarity.

What’s your favorite thing about clay?

I love how interactive clay is. Clay demands to be touched and is so satisfying to work with.

What has been the most challenging part of pursuing ceramics?

I have some wrist issues that have made working with clay very challenging at times. Learning how to work with my limitations has been rough, but it has helped me to accept that there is really a lot I can still do, even with a bum wrist.

Which AMACO products do you always find yourself going back to? How do these products speak to your work?

I am a huge fan of the Class Pack AMACO products. I love doing glaze tests and experimenting with all the different colors. In regards to my work, I typically stick to Satin Matte neutral colors to add some depth and contrast to my forms.

What's your biggest pet peeve?

Some random, specific words and phrases make me cringe, like “ketchup”, “scratch”, and “bad news bears”, to name a few.

Who was your childhood hero?

Balto. My siblings would always hide this movie from me because I always wanted to watch it!

If you weren't an artist, what would you be?

A dolphin trainer.

What’s your favorite food?

Basically cheese, bread, and jam.