Amie Luczkowski Gibson interview: Growing Up

Inhale the good shit, exhale the bullshit

By: Melissa Hermans

Hello fellow TUGG readers, introducing Amie Gibson: talented ceramic artist that will make you fall in love with her quirky and extremely intricate sculptures. She’s got one hella attitude, and we thought we’d share her thoughts with you.

Amie herself holding her little creations

1. What inspired you to create these quirky ceramics?

I don't really know to be perfectly honest. I just kind of started doing them because I wanted to turn my drawings into sculptures and I had always liked clay.

2. At what age were you when you made the decision to make a living out of these clay creations?

I don't really make a living out of them at all, it is just a hobby that people have become crazy interested in. I make a living by working at a supermarket. But I was 16-17 when I first started making them, first for highschool project and they were just sculptures and then in my first year of uni I had to make a 'vessel' of sorts and I liked making the faces so much I decided to make them into pots, and then people were asking me to buy them and then I made some for people to buy and then they sold out in 20 minutes and then it kind of just went from there.

3. What did you want to be when you grow up and why?

First I said a lady and then I said an artist.

4. Where did you grow up?

Eltham which is in the north eastern suburbs of melbourne. 'Da bush'.

5. What is your most embarrassing moment?

Don't have one, I don't get embarrassed, I am the one embarrassing other people. On purpose.

6. Did you have lots of chores when you were younger? What were they?

Not really, don't really seem like chores, just clean my room, feed the dog, clean the bathroom.

  

Yes, Amie even makes mugs! (Not dishwasher safe)

7. What are the most and least rewarding aspects of your job?

Most rewarding part of working with clay is that people actually like it, it is weird to me because I kind of don't get it and it so lovely that people love it all so much. Least rewarding, not having a kiln to fire my work, and having like 3-7 month gaps in-between when I sell them.

8. Where was your first ever holiday?

Byron Bay.

9. What is a typical ‘day in your worklife’ like?

Get up, eat, shower, go to real job all day, or all night, and then try to fit clay making in-between times.

10. Are there any people or events that have influenced you to do what you do?

Not really, just people in general I guess. I get my inspiration from people and there faces and how different they all are, like really different and all beautiful in there own way.

Personal favourite! Her name is Dorothy

11. We first noticed you on Instagram, how did you start 'putting yourself out there'?

Just got one because everyone else had one, and I am not into selfies and shit, so I posted pictures of my artwork instead and then people caught on. :)

12. What traditions do your family follow? They can be anything from religious beliefs to board game night.

No traditions at all.

13. What movie can you quote word from word?

Disney Jungle book, it is my favorite and was when I was kid, used to watch it every day without fail.

14. When and where was the first concert you saw?

I was 11, and it was Kelly Clarkson at Rod Laver.

15. What was your favorite TV show growing up?

Too many, stand out is Angel, Black Books, and Sex and the city.

16. If you had the chance to start school again, what would you do differently?

Nothing.

17. What words of wisdom do you abide by?

Inhale the good shit, exhale the bullshit.

18. Can you see yourself doing this job for a lot longer, or your lifetime?

I don't maybe, if I don't get sick of it. I think it will always be a side thing because I don't really want to be just an artist. Main goal and aim is art teacher than art therapist.

19. If someone else wants to make a business similar to yours, do you have any words of advice for them?

Just keep doing what you are doing, and don't let the negativity get you down, if it makes you happy than that is all that matters.

 Rows and rows of funky faces

Visit Amie’s instagram: franki_e

Visit Amie’s etsy: http://etsy.com/shop/aluczgib