AnnMarie Cooper is a gallerist and studio potter in Bellingham, Washington. After taking a job at Good Earth Pottery gallery in 2009, clay and its spirited community became pivotal in her life. She now owns that gallery, makes ceramics, teaches classes, leads wood-firings, has her work included in several books, and manages the award-winning artist mentorship program, Cohorts.Art. She's also an active member of the Washington Clay Arts Association and Co-Founder of Whatcom Artists of Clay & Kiln (WACK).
AnnMarie's path into clay began on the potter's wheel, but after a workshop in coil-building, she abandoned the wheel and devoted her efforts to hand-building and developing her own signature style of ceramics.
AnnMarie specialized in coil-built ceramics for over a decade. Driven by the desire to create surfaces that enchant the eye and invite touch by incorporating the decorative and textural elements into the body of a piece.
Her journey continued into slab-building, which lead to sculpting owls. And eventually, AnnMarie reunited with the potter's wheel, as always, enjoying the exploration and challenges of this fork in her artistic avenue.
For many years, AnnMarie finished her work in soda and wood-fired kilns, relishing their atmospheric effects and the shared communitiy experiences. More recently she's pivoted her pottery practice back to the electric kiln, working in hand-carved porcelain. The bright white clay showcases her vibrant colored glazes or when left unglazed, offers a cozy, satiny finish begging to be held.
Stay tuned for the continued evolution of AnnMarie's work coming out of Starflower Studios.
AnnMarie's path into clay began on the potter's wheel, but after a workshop in coil-building, she abandoned the wheel and devoted her efforts to hand-building and developing her own signature style of ceramics.
AnnMarie specialized in coil-built ceramics for over a decade. Driven by the desire to create surfaces that enchant the eye and invite touch by incorporating the decorative and textural elements into the body of a piece.
Her journey continued into slab-building, which lead to sculpting owls. And eventually, AnnMarie reunited with the potter's wheel, as always, enjoying the exploration and challenges of this fork in her artistic avenue.
For many years, AnnMarie finished her work in soda and wood-fired kilns, relishing their atmospheric effects and the shared communitiy experiences. More recently she's pivoted her pottery practice back to the electric kiln, working in hand-carved porcelain. The bright white clay showcases her vibrant colored glazes or when left unglazed, offers a cozy, satiny finish begging to be held.
Stay tuned for the continued evolution of AnnMarie's work coming out of Starflower Studios.
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I am a lifelong Washingtonian. I grew up just north of Seattle, attended college in Bellingham, and even dipped my toe in Eastern Washington life for a couple of years before eventually settling back in beloved Bellingham to raise my family. Living in Bellingham includes the best of all things PNW: mountains, forests, saltwater beaches, boat rides, wildlife, pottery.
My favorite childhood memories feature family time alongside rivers and lakes and fishing with my dad. An avid birdwatcher for most of my life, I have an especial bond with owls due in part to my grandma's affection for them--in addition to my own many encounters. I love where I live and decorating my work with the familiar imagery of the sights around me brings me comfort and creates connection with those who feel the same. |
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Owner of Good Earth Pottery
Rooted in the historic Fairhaven District of Bellingham, WA since 1969, the gallery represents local and international contemporary artists. You might encounter AnnMarie in the gallery when you visit! 1000 Harris Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225 www.goodearthpots.com |
AnnMarie has joined forces with Simon Levin as manager of Cohorts.Art.
Click here to read about this exciting personalized education program for artists! 
The Cohorts.Art Management Team: AnnMarie Cooper & Simon Levin
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Wood-Fired PotteryIn 2013, AnnMarie was introduced to wood-firing and quickly fell in love with the atmospheric process as an alternative way of finishing her work. Fortunately, she has a wonderful network of wood-firing friends across the country to help make that happen.
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