Meet Amanda Wolf, the Artist and Business Owner Behind Wolf’s Den Pottery
The growing passion of a woman since childhood developed into an online shop and studio showroom.
Written by: Bianca Calderon
Amanda Wolf with Wolf’s Den Pottery products mugs, planters, utensil holders, and mugs.
Amanda Wolf’s journey as an artist and creator has set her apart in the pottery craft and business. The artist found a profound curiosity in malleable material like clay in high school where she began to experiment with creating small pieces relating to the beauty of nature.
“When I think back to what first appealed to me with working in clay, what comes to mind is texture and manipulating the surface,” said Amanda. “I was and I'm still captivated by the tactile quality of the clay and texture.”
In the year 2000, Amanda took her first pottery course at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and familiarized herself with how to use a pottery wheel for the first time. This was Wolf’s opportunity to feed and indulge in her inquisitiveness for the art of pottery-making. After years of practice, Amanda has discovered new possibilities within the craft and has created consistent pieces of art that are highly refined.
“My ambition has always been the same since I graduated college, I just wanted to keep making pots because I love the process,” said Wolf. “I created Wolf's Den Pottery so I can continue making clay work, and also sell my pieces. The potter’s wheel is not an easy tool to learn. I spent many many years making not great pots but kept practicing.”
Wolf’s Den Pottery opened around 2010 in her home studio where Amanda was free to create as much as she wanted and in the way she wanted. After giving birth to her son in 2013, Amanda decides to make Wolf’s Den Pottery a full-time studio practice. Hours of hard work, dedication, and attention to detail are put into every nature-inspired piece she makes.
“The pieces I make take a good bit of time because of how I choose to embellish the surface,” said Wolf. “I rarely make just one of something. Rather I like to make 2, 3, 6, 8 a dozen, or even 20 forms at a time, such as 2 teapots, 3 jars, 6 vases, 8 utensil holders, and 20 mugs.”
Wolf’s Den Pottery will be part of the I Made It! For the Holidays market at The Block Northway this year on Saturday, November 19. Amanda has been part of previous I Made It! Markets in the past and has enjoyed forming part of the team.
“I love participating in I Made It Markets!” said Amanda. “The energy of I Made It Markets is really great, all of the other artists are so friendly and the atmosphere is amazing!”