Emily Free Wilson
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Altitude Gallery proudly represents Emily Free Wilson from Gardiner, Oregon.
Read on to learn about the artist's inspiration and artistic journey.
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Artist Bio
Emily Free Wilson’s signature style of Free Ceramics began in 2003 just after moving to Helena, Montana for an internship at the Archie Bray Foundation. A graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a background in running and a degree in sculpture and ceramics, Emily was interested in gallery or museum work and being an active part of the art world. Helena’s rich history and supportive community of potters led to a conscience decision to find her own voice in pottery. Taking her obsession with drawing dots and combing them with her pots was an “ah-hah!” moment in a friend’s studio where it all began. With the help of her husband, Matt Wilson, they worked together to fine-tune the pottery line of “Dot Pots”.
As the Gallery Director at the Archie Bray and with the arrival of Matt and Emily’s son Clayton, Dot Pots needed help in order to continue growing. In 2007, Bobby Free, also a ceramic artist and Emily’s brother, joined the pair and the three started “Free Ceramics.” The family collaboration not only increased visibility and opportunities to show in galleries across the United States, but it also allowed all three artists to focus on a specific part of the making process. Free Ceramics has a great team that works together to create better forms and decorations while meeting customers' needs for a reliable piece of beautiful hand-made pottery.
Free Ceramics was featured in the 2011 summer issue and on the front cover of the international magazine Ceramics Monthly. The same year, Free Ceramics expanded their studio space and started “Clay Club,” year-round clay classes for kids. Expanding our space and being more involved in the community has introduced us to new ideas and allowed us to offer our pottery to a wider audience. As Free Ceramics continues to grow, we have had new members join us. In February of 2012, Lindsey Carroll started making pottery for Free Ceramics. Joseph Pesina and Bobby Free also throw pots for Free Ceramics when needed. The increase in productivity led to our brand new paid Internship Program and our first intern Danielle O’Malley. The paid internship will give a recent undergraduate an opportunity to have a job in an artisan studio where they will gain experience teaching and working as an artist.