Check Out Evelyn Ambrose’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Evelyn Ambrose.

Hi Evelyn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been an artist. One day, I was making a little bird out of mud in the backyard. My father, sitting outside thought that I had a real bird in my hands. He brought up the idea of ceramics and that I had a talent. One of my family friends is a local potter, Patty Hampton, she gave me my first lesson using a ceramics wheel.

After a few lessons with Mrs. Patty, I received my own potter’s wheel for Christmas. A few months later when Covid hit our small town, kids were sent home the week after my birthday in March. I spent my time out of school practicing with the clay and wheel I had gotten for Christmas. Later that month I got an electric kiln to extend my ceramic abilities.

That May, I officially started my own business, Clay Chicken Pottery. Named after my love of chickens. They are my favorite animal, their spunky little selves always sparked happiness in me. Today, I sell my ware in one decor shop in Bells, TN. I’ve been selling there for almost 3 years. I occasionally participate at my local farmer’s market. Through the years I’ve also sold with other stores and artists.

I am where I am today because of my parents. They’re very encouraging and have always believed in my artistic abilities.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
With the financial help of my parents in the beginning, it’s been rather smooth. After the first few months of opening my business, I was completely on my own in financial means. There are months when sales slow down for economic reasons, but eventually, they kick back up. I would say the main obstacle for me is school.

I’m going into my junior year of high school, and have been making pottery since the 7th grade. I’m in the marching band so I’m super busy during football season. When I do have a few hours to regain my energy from an exhausting week of practice and football games, I usually make up lost time for pottery. It’s very difficult to maintain a business while keeping those straight A’s and B’s.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love art. From drawing to ceramics, I’ve spent a lot of my life being involved with art. With lots and lots of practice, I’ve expanded my ceramic variety.

I make coffee mugs, pitchers, giant bowls, dinnerware sets, hand-warming mugs, berry bowls, animal sculptures, vases, jewelry holders, teapots, canisters, and other pots. I am set apart from other potters around me because of my age and techniques. Everyone has their own different and brilliant techniques when it comes to art.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Having that will to get up and do what you know you need to do. It’s hard when you get burned out.

Sometimes I want to quit and be a regular kid. That spark of motivation is important to light when you’re burned out. Sometimes you just have to do it even when you don’t want to, but I eventually end up liking it again.

Pricing:

• Regular mugs – $25.00
• Big bowls – $100.00
• Pitchers – $60.00
• Small sculptures – $20.00
• Tea pots – $40.00

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ClayChickenPottery/ 

Image Credits
Caitlin Ambrose and Sandi Sanders