Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I was born and raised in Webster, New York just a quarter mile from Lake Ontario. I have always been drawn to the water wherever I have lived. At age 22 I left New York and have lived in Alaska, Rhode Island, Georgia, Ireland, Mexico and now Colorado. In every location (except this one!) we were always within a mile of a large lake or the ocean, and the water has greatly influenced my work as I am drawn to beach looks and sea creatures. Seasons have also influenced my work with fall being my favorite (the colors of upstate New York are spectacular), and inspires pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colors.

How do you define success as an artist?

I am still struggling with the traditional American idea of success as how much money I can earn. Though the more time I spend in the art world, the more I find success to me means enjoying creating new work, having the opportunity to share that work with others both in the U.S. and internationally, having the freedom to balance my life with my work and bringing a little joy to others.

Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

Art helped me when I was most struggling with depression and anxiety that began in 2018. Working with my hands helped me "get out of my head" and focus on creating something.

2018 also kicked off a series of health issues that made traditional work impossible for me as I needed at least 20 hours per week to focus on my health. Starting my ceramics business in 2020 has become an "accidental" career and I love the flexibility that self-employment brings so I can take the time to focus on other areas of life when needed.

My experiences influenced my work in that I love to make pieces that bring people joy.

We love that. How have you developed your skill at your craft?

I came to art later in life. It was not a part of life that was encouraged when I was younger ~ academics, sports and a college degree in something more traditional were the goals. So I hail from 15 years as an International Educator, specializing in student and professional visas and assisting those individuals with adapting to life in the U.S.

A friend of mine invited me to her studio in 2018, handed me clay and said "go." I took four classes from her learning on the wheel, but moved more towards handbuilding over the years. Though I also took a 10 week class on animal sculpture in 2022, I am predominately self taught by watching videos on social media and YouTube, reading books, following groups online for tutorials/advice and a whole lot of trial and error in the home studio.

Very fun. What’s the hardest part of your creation process?

Having to stop creating to manage social media, marketing, sales, applications to markets, packing and shipping, and all of the other jobs a one-woman small business owner does!

I love the days I can just be in my studio and make pretty things!

How has your style changed over time?

Learning that I am a creative person has been the best thing! I had never thought of myself that way, and it has opened a new world with so many other wonderful creative and supportive people.

What is your favorite item you’ve created and why?

My current favorite item (my husband will tell you I never have just one favorite) are my whale sculptures (pumpkins are a close second). They are my most favorite to make, though also the most time consuming so having time to create them are my best studio days.

And finally, what do you love most about Colorado?

The sunflowers growing wild along the side of the roads and in the fields. They are my favorite flower, and it makes me ridiculously happy to drive along passing thousands of them when they're in season.

Catch Amberle Byrne Creatives at Jackalope Arvada on October 13th, 14th, & 15th

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