Through the layering of mythology, iconography and personal narrative, my work explores how our own animal nature relates to the ways we establish and sustain personal relationships. I draw on my own experiences to explore pastoral life, animal husbandry, women’s craft and fertility. In bridging the gap between myth and experience, I utilize my artistic practice to create altogether new stories that tell contemporary tales of trauma, joy and womanhood. -Crista Ann Ames
Crista Ann Ames has a BFA in Ceramics with a minor in Art History from Washington State University, and an MFA in Ceramics from the University of Montana. She has been an artist-in-residence at A.I.R. Vallauris in France, Guldagergaard International Ceramics Research Center in Denmark, the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, and The Clay Studio of Missoula. Crista is currently a long-term resident at Red Lodge Clay Center. In 2013 she was featured in Western Art & Architecture’s“One to Watch” column.