Artist's Statement:
I am a sculptor who works primarily in ceramics and textiles. I find that the integration of both permanent and impermanent materials conveys my interest in approaches to memory, loss and transformation. Just as the act of remembering transforms an experience into something different, time degrades some elements and leaves others to endure.
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.
-CAA
I am a sculptor who works primarily in ceramics and textiles. I find that the integration of both permanent and impermanent materials conveys my interest in approaches to memory, loss and transformation. Just as the act of remembering transforms an experience into something different, time degrades some elements and leaves others to endure.
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.
-CAA
Crista Ann Ames is a contemporary sculptor working primarily in large scale ceramics and textiles. She is a native Washingtonian who was raised on a generational hobby farm in Central Washington. Ames currently lives and works in Ellensburg.
Crista attended Washington State University where she obtained her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Ceramics with a minor in Art History, and Disability Studies. After receiving her BFA, Crista attended Utah State University for Post Crista attended Washington State University where she earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Ceramics with a minor in Art History, and Disability Studies. After receiving her BFA, Crista attended Utah State University for Post Baccalaureate studies in Ceramics. She received her MFA from the University of Montana and has been a Resident Artist at A.I.R. Vallauris, Guldagergaard International Ceramic Center, The Archie Bray Foundation for Ceramic Arts, the Clay Studio of Missoula, Santa Fe Art Institute, and Red Lodge Clay Center. Crista is currently an artist in residence and studio manager at Gallery One Visual Arts Center in Ellensburg and a recipient of the Artist Trust Fellowship Award in 2022.
Crista attended Washington State University where she obtained her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Ceramics with a minor in Art History, and Disability Studies. After receiving her BFA, Crista attended Utah State University for Post Crista attended Washington State University where she earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Ceramics with a minor in Art History, and Disability Studies. After receiving her BFA, Crista attended Utah State University for Post Baccalaureate studies in Ceramics. She received her MFA from the University of Montana and has been a Resident Artist at A.I.R. Vallauris, Guldagergaard International Ceramic Center, The Archie Bray Foundation for Ceramic Arts, the Clay Studio of Missoula, Santa Fe Art Institute, and Red Lodge Clay Center. Crista is currently an artist in residence and studio manager at Gallery One Visual Arts Center in Ellensburg and a recipient of the Artist Trust Fellowship Award in 2022.
