Meet Amy Strickland of Lovelady Creations

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Strickland.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Amy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My husband and I owned an art gallery in Dahlonega, GA. We represented over 200 artists, in all mediums. My husband is a wonderful painter, but I personally never owned a whole box of crayons. One day, a potter told me she would feel more comfortable with me selling her work if I knew more about the process, so she invited me to visit her studio. As soon as I touched the clay, I was hooked.

Another one of our artists told me she was selling her studio. Within a month of first touching clay, I had bought my own studio, complete with wheel, kiln, recipes, and tools. I was so excited, and I set up a small corner in the gallery and started playing. When the economic crash hit, we were not able to sustain the business, but I had my studio. I was very depressed about closing the gallery, and I spent most of the next two years in clay.

Luckily I knew most of the merchants in Dahlonega, and they were kind enough to sell my work. I began to add a few shows here and there, and before long, I was a full-time artist. And yes, I bought myself that box of crayons!

Has it been a smooth road?
Knowing NOTHING about pottery was my biggest challenge. The potter who introduced me to clay had her own business and wasn’t interested in helping me find my way. Nor was I feeling emotionally up to sign up for a class, or even reaching out for help. So if I wanted to do something, I had to figure it out myself. Youtube was amazing. It gave me ideas and techniques from potters from all over the world. I would watch video after video and then head to my tiny little studio and work, trial and error.

The clay supply company in Atlanta, Davens, was also a wonderful resource for me. I was about the 3rd or 4th generation of a potter who had inherited my recipes, and they were one of the generations who had previously had my newly acquired relics. So they took on a special role, answering a lot of the more technical questions.

Atlanta potters are very lucky to live close enough to Olympic Kilns, as well. They are in Flowery Branch, and as my kiln was on its last legs when I bought it, they, too, became my technical experts on kiln maintenance and care. Their Customer Service agent, Sarah, was absolutely wonderful. She gave me the confidence I didn’t have to do my own repairs and even worked with me to enhance my skills with different techniques and kilns.

While knowing nothing was an incredible challenge, my relationship with clay has been one of the most rewarding I’ve ever pursued.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Lovelady Creations is a pottery company. I specialize in both functional and sculptural work, often combined. I love making beautiful, one of a kind piece. Our gallery represented over 40 potters, and it was my goal to be able to create something different, every time. While I do have some “signature” pieces, like my wine cups, I try to take extra time with most pieces to surprise and hopefully delight, my customers.

In 2016, my work made it to Antartica, via a researcher who wanted to bring her wine cup with her. That day, I gave her an extra cup to leave with the penguins. That’s when I had finally made it to all seven continents, thanks to my customers. I think that’s my proudest achievement. And as a full-time potter for ten years this year, I look forward to what will come next, because, with clay, almost anything is possible!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The arts, in general, are welcome in most cities (if not ALL). The challenge most artists face (and I am not immune) is having an affordable outlet to sell my work. It’s hard enough to muster the confidence one needs to present small trinkets from your soul, but when that challenge is met with high show fees and commissions, it makes it difficult for a small company like myself to expand.

If an artist is just starting out, I would encourage them to start small. Maybe a local gift shop, or neighborhood show. Home shows are wonderful, as your friends will show up with their support, more friends, and hopefully a few contacts that will help you move to the next step. It’s very important if you want to succeed, to find the outlets for your work that work for you, both as an individual and a business person.

Atlanta and North Georgia have been very kind to me. I consider myself very fortunate to have found outlets such as shows, small shops, and vineyards who invite me to sell my work. I’m very grateful to consider myself part of this community.

Pricing:

• Wine cups are $20
• My prices range from $1-200 usually.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.loveladycreations.com
• Phone: 6785916377
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Lovelady Creations

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