Amy Cooper is a Cornwall based designer and maker of unique porcelain
lighting.
I studied ceramics and sculpture as a mature student at the University
of Wolverhampton. This came as a bit of a shock after growing up in
Cornwall, but certainly made me appreciate my rural heritage. After
graduating with first class honours in 2002, I set up my studio in
Brighton where I was particularly inspired by the dramatic Sussex
coastline. I relocated to rural North Devon where I worked from my
studio at home, this was both convenient and idyllic as I became a mum
in 2008 and since then time and place have become even more important to
me. I have recently moved back to Cornwall. My sources of inspiration
and creative energy have become more focused on the domestic, my garden
and the woods beyond.
Amy Cooper Ceramics was founded in 2003 with the support of the Princes
Trust and is now based in beautiful Cornwall.
My work has been exhibited in Germany, Holland, Belgium, Norway and
Dubai, as well as extensively throughout the UK. Theoretically Amy
Cooper Ceramics is a one woman show although I have a lot of help from
my ‘lovely assistant’ and husband, Gareth, who works with me full time
making pots and looking after our two children.
Design Details, Materials and Processes
My current porcelain range includes table lamps, wall and ceiling lamps
and tea-light holders. All my pieces are slipcast and individually
altered and decorated, no two are exactly the same. My most recent work
is inspired by my more immediate surroundings, the magic of a garden or
woodland at twilight and dawn, as well as softly remembered animations
from my childhood. I am trying to recreate an atmosphere that delights
as well as unsettles a little, which suggests tales and secrets as well
as familiarity.