Crista Ann Ames is a sculptor working primarily in ceramics and textiles. Through the layering of mythology, iconography and personal narrative, Crista explores how our own animal nature relates to the ways we establish and sustain personal relationships. Raised on a small hobby farm in Washington State, Crista often draws on her own experiences to explore pastoral life, animal husbandry, women’s craft and fertility.
Crista attended Washington State University where she obtained her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Ceramics with a minor in Art History, and Disability Studies. After receiving her BFA, Crista attended Utah State University for Post Baccalaureate studies in Ceramics. She received her MFA from the University of Montana. She has been a Resident Artist at A.I.R. Vallauris, Guldagergaard International Ceramic Center, and The Archie Bray Foundation for Ceramic Arts, the Clay Studio of Missoula, Santa Fe Art Institute, and Red Lodge Clay Center and was the artist in residence and studio manager at Gallery One Visual Arts Center in Ellensburg, WA. Crista currently creates her works from her studio in Ellensburg where she is also the Co-Director of The Palace Gallery.