Teacher Feature: Amy Gretchen Maher

Her name is Amy, but her friends call her "G" --- I call her Amy Gretchen (that is, when I am not calling her love bunny which I am known to do).

The first time I met Amy G was at our inaugural squam by the sea in 2010.  She is tall, she is willowy, let's just say, she is a presence when she enters the room and I was smitten from the start.  That gathering was marked with so many big breakthroughs for all of us, myself included, and at the center of it-- I remember Amy G.

We were all seeking to better understand our creative callings-- it can be so confusing to find a way to give them space to grow and take shape when at first all you've got to work with is a jumble of conflicting feelings that can make you feel-- I don't know . . crazy?  And I cherish in particular, several conversations Amy G and I had that weekend which propelled us both into greater clarity about how best to share our gifts with the world.

No surprise that Amy's classes filled pretty much immediately* as this is the first time she is teaching a photography workshop at squam-- but so many of us are smitten (there's that word again!) with her images of life in Utah with her husband and three daughters and would love to know her approach to capturing such loveliness through her lens.

For now, let's just get to know her a bit better:

*note:  there is space in her Fall session (2 spots) as of this morning

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Where were you born?

In Salt Lake City, Utah – and I’m still here.

Describe yourself in 5 words...

Hopeful. Indecisive. Tall. Genuine. Introvert.

What sounds calm you?

Rain drops against my window. Faint sound of wind chimes in the air. Talking with my husband.

What are your some of your favorite spices/herbs?

Basil. I’ve started growing it and it seems to make it into almost everything I make during the summer months. 

What is your most ideal vacation?

I would love to take a road trip through the United Kingdom and Ireland visiting lighthouses along the way. Of course I would love to do this along the east coast as well.

What colors are carried throughout your home?

My home is very neutral. There is not one color that stands out from another, but the colors that are here are all warm tones – that’s a must.

What is something you would like to learn to do?

Darkroom. Spanish. Letterpress.

Country mouse or City Mouse?

I think I am a bit of both. I have a romantic fantasy about living in the country, in a small town surrounded by vast open space, enjoying a very simple life. And then I get into the urban environment and there is something so captivating about the raw nature of that landscape – the texture, the details. I find them both appealing.

What song reminds you of your childhood?

Sadly there was not a lot of music in my home growing up, though I can recall perfectly my sister playing Michael Jackson and Madonna at high volumes in her room. The sound I associate most with my childhood is the laughter heard on a summer eve while playing kick the can with my friends.

When you were younger, what was your favorite candy/snack at the movie theater?

If I ever got to the movies popcorn was a must.

Gondola, hot air balloon, motorcycle, or bike?

Bike. I love the idea of seeing the world around me at my own pace; stopping along the way to take photos of whatever captures my eye.

What is the best part of your day?

I have three:
1 :: I love the seemly quick moment of downtime, a breather if you will from the busy morning, before the girls walk out the door to school. It has served as a way of grounded us all before we head out and begin our day.
2 :: Dinnertime. We have made a point to make sure, as best we can, to gather together around the dinner table and simply talk about whatever’s in the air at the time.
3 :: When all is said and done after a busy day, I love putting my head on my pillow looking over and reconnecting with my husband. Sometimes it’s holding his hand while he reads, or talking in the dark, or quietly drifting off to sleep while listening to music. Whatever is in store it’s the perfect way to end my day.

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ohh, so lovely!

thank you Amy G--- cannot wait to see you in just a few weeks.

bisous, e