Langman Gallery Presents Amy Meya: Perched

April 1 - 30, 2010

Amy Meya: Perched

April 1 – 30, 2010

“They came to my window, little flutters of inspiration, vivid colors of joy, fleeting thoughts of wonder.”  -Amy Meya

As a ceramic artist, tiles have been the focal point of Amy’s work for the past several years.  She was inspired to create ceramic bird vignettes when she and her children planted giant sunflowers outside their dining room window.  When the sunflowers grew tall, they attracted sparrows, cardinals, and goldfinches.  Through her regular walks in the woods, avid bird watching, and camping, Amy’s insightful tile scenarios emulate the natural world she encounters in her travels.

Similar to a painting, each piece is created individually, the clay her canvas, the glaze her paint.  The background texture in her work is created by using clay stamps.  After firing, the porous nature of the bisque stamps allows for easy release, and a truly detailed impression in the creation of patterns.  Tessellation, the repeat of one particular shape, is utilized as a design foundation, and built upon to create movement and composition.  Many examples of tessellation are all around us, from a honeycomb, to concrete block walls, to the tiles on a bathroom floor.  Life is repetitive pattern and spontaneity.   While momentarily poised upon a carefully constructed network of branches, the species of birds that inhabit her multi-paneled compositions perch, interact, and take flight within groupings that reveal insightful details about their daily habits and mannerisms. 

Primarily a self-taught ceramic artist, her education includes living and working in The Netherlands, extensive travel throughout Europe, and limited formal education through the Kansas City Art Institute, and Longview Community College, MO.  Her work has been selected for many national exhibitions and private collections across the country. 

Since 1972, Langman Gallery has presented unique handmade crafts and fine art by American artists and designers.  Recently named one of NICHE magazine’s Top Retailers of 2009, the gallery features fine contemporary crafts including ceramics, furniture, glass, jewelry, lighting, paintings, prints, and sculpture.  The annual Top Retailer Awards program recognizes craft galleries who are committed to growing and strengthening the North American craft community.

Our gallery is located adjacent to Bloomingdale's in Willow Grove Park.  Hours are Monday–Saturday, 10-9:00; Sunday 12-6.