Ingrid Guiter
Amancay Pottery
I immerse myself in the making of useful, pleasing objects with natural materials, simple tools and movements. I make pots that may satisfy our most basic needs, like holding water or food, pots that are ready to receive and to give.
The pottery studio offers a routine that I love. In it, I find a non-judgmental environment that invites me to be creative, playful and productive. Repetition and observation give way to refinement, to discoveries in shape, texture and color. I find the solitude of my studio comforting, and I can be present in the moment of the task.
Originally from Argentina, I moved to Otego, NY in 1997. I’ve been making pots for almost 30 years now, thanks to an apprenticeship with master potter and sculptor Ragnar Naess of Brooklyn,NY and to many other generous potters and artists from whom I learned invaluable pot making techniques.
For the past few years I have been particularly interested in making sustainable pottery. As usual, I throw my pots in a very light kick wheel that my husband built based on a German design (it is very convenient to have a woodworker at home!). Although during my first years as a potter I used to fire my work in a gas kiln (in a reduction atmosphere), I now fire my stoneware pieces in an electric kiln. An array of solar panels produces all the energy to render my shop carbon neutral. I mix my own glazes following strict guidelines so they are safe on the pots and safe to the environment. The final products are then oven, microwave and dishwasher safe for you to enjoy at any time!
The name “Amancay” (pronounced AH-MAN-KY), refers to a wild flower that grows in southern Argentina, very similar to the orange day lilies that bloom at home Upstate New York.
The pottery studio offers a routine that I love. In it, I find a non-judgmental environment that invites me to be creative, playful and productive. Repetition and observation give way to refinement, to discoveries in shape, texture and color. I find the solitude of my studio comforting, and I can be present in the moment of the task.
Originally from Argentina, I moved to Otego, NY in 1997. I’ve been making pots for almost 30 years now, thanks to an apprenticeship with master potter and sculptor Ragnar Naess of Brooklyn,NY and to many other generous potters and artists from whom I learned invaluable pot making techniques.
For the past few years I have been particularly interested in making sustainable pottery. As usual, I throw my pots in a very light kick wheel that my husband built based on a German design (it is very convenient to have a woodworker at home!). Although during my first years as a potter I used to fire my work in a gas kiln (in a reduction atmosphere), I now fire my stoneware pieces in an electric kiln. An array of solar panels produces all the energy to render my shop carbon neutral. I mix my own glazes following strict guidelines so they are safe on the pots and safe to the environment. The final products are then oven, microwave and dishwasher safe for you to enjoy at any time!
The name “Amancay” (pronounced AH-MAN-KY), refers to a wild flower that grows in southern Argentina, very similar to the orange day lilies that bloom at home Upstate New York.