Amanda Williams's Projects

BFA Alumni

Major: Ceramics

Graduation Year: 2018

Artist Statement:

Using traditional ceramic techniques, my process allows me to understand life in a new way. For me, making art is a way of thinking in three-dimensions and making discoveries. Being an artist also means being a creative thinker, and through my work I would like to share and encourage creative discovery in others, whether they are artists or not. Navigating life as a woman can be a challenging experience and a life-long struggle. My imagery is meant to encourage others, but especially creative women, to live fearlessly, and believe in the power of making. Clay is a tactile material which endures so much heat and stress, and transforms itself constantly from the beginning of a project to the end, and it is through these challenges and the guiding hand of the artist that it becomes something beautiful. I hope that clay can be a metaphor for finding confidence and empowerment in my life, and that others can connect and tap into that source of inspiration as well.

Biography:

Amanda Williams is a ceramic artist living and working in Portland, ME. She enjoys working in a variety of media, but mainly employs traditional ceramic techniques. She is currently completing her BFA in ceramics at the Maine College of Art. Similar to feminist artist Coille Hooven, Williams uses storytelling in ceramic to explore issues of femininity and life as a woman. She also draws influence from the Kawaii movement of Japanese art, using the power of cute to bring a sense of joy and delight to her making. For Williams, making art is a way of thinking in three-dimensions and making discoveries. She uses her work to encourage creative discovery in others, whether they are artists or not.