Ashley Ambrosio: Desert-Inspired Pottery

Desert plants have a lot to teach people because of their growing environment. Since the desert is generally dry and hot, these plants have adapted to not only grow but thrive.

Artists and creators like Ashley Ambrosio, have found immense beauty in the desert and its plants.

“I’m just so inspired by the plants that thrive here, and how resilient and beautiful and vibrant they can be despite their tough living conditions…”

Pottery and soap-making is the main aspect of Ashley’s craft. She often incorporates the plants around her to bring something unique to her pieces.

“I’m constantly looking for new bits of inspiration in what we have so close to us…as a way to express my heart and a way that I see the world.”

She takes great pride in sharing her techniques and discoveries with people through leading workshops. Ashley’s perspective is that it’s important to share this knowledge with future generations and that it’s not hers to keep.

It all comes back to the plants and the natural world around her, though. She has found that plants growing in the desert presents a valuable lesson to the observer, not just about resilience, but about rest too. 

“Plants can be great teachers…they just teach me to be a little bit quieter sometimes, to slow down.”

For more information about Ashley, visit her website, and follow her on Instagram.

Also, check out the rest of the Tucson Botanical Collective, a group of like-minded creators celebrating desert plants by checking out the website. 

Cinematographer, Director, and Editor for this episode is by Peter Fuhrman.

Produced by Peter Fuhrman.