about Linda “ifigenia” GottfrieD
Linda earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from William Paterson University in New Jersey. She pursued a career in graphic design that ultimately led to a flourishing career in fundraising for several nonprofit organizations in New Jersey and Maryland.
After retiring in 2016, Linda returned to her love of art and began taking ceramics classes at the College of Southern Maryland where she studied under nationally-recognized ceramic artist Lindsay Pichaske.
Linda received several “Best in Show” awards at that time. In addition to student awards, Linda received “Best in Show” at the 2017 Annual Juried Art Show at Matawoman Creek Arts Center in Marbury, MD. Furthermore, she had a successful one-woman show at the Cox Arts Center in Huntingtown, MD.
After moving to Pennsylvania, in 2017, Linda initiated and led the “Women’s Creative Corner” at her Yellow Door Studio. The monthly meeting gives local women a creative outlet and a place to share their collective and individual artistic pursuits. In 2019, Linda’s ceramic work was accepted into the Adams County Arts Council juried show at the Schmucker Art Gallery.
Much of Linda’s early work focused on birds and later fantasy birds pushing creative boundaries. She is currently creating totems exploring shape and form and learning to play well with clay.
Linda lives in Fayetteville, PA with her husband Brad Gottfried, noted Civil War historian and author.
“Inspiration must find you working.”
– Pablo Picasso
ClassES.
STUDENT TESTIMONIAL
“Linda's clay classes are an amazing escape from reality into the creative world. She is an excellent teacher who guides you through a therapeutic process of working with your hands with such a natural material. Her knowledge is extensive and she will inspire you. Linda has a beautiful soul and her passion for the craft truly shines through”.
– Meghan W.
NOTE: Watch for news when classes will resume once quarantine restrictions are lifted.
Picasso sums up how I approach my creative process. I go into my studio and without expectation; begin to create. Even when I’m not feeling particularly inspired, I find my energy shifts once my hands touch clay.
I first experienced this artistic inclination in second grade. My teacher at School No. 13 in Paterson, New Jersey allowed me to paint while the rest of the class read aloud. Miss Laraguay saw something in me and gave it space to grow. (I still recall several of the paintings I produced.)
Today, I find being in touch with my inner child as mystical as it was back then. I am transported to a place without limitations, time, or any manmade constructs. My process is playing in clay with intention to form something beautiful and life affirming. It is my hope my work will bring something new into the world; a creative spark that would not otherwise exist except for the fact I played well.
PORTFOLIO.
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Be sure to visit FoundryArtMarket.com
for more Yellow Door Studio designs and to purchase.
On the corner of Queen & Main 11/30
100 South Main Street • Chambersburg, PA 17201
See more of Linda's designs here.
20% of all proceeds go to support the
art and artists of the cooperative.
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The Cumberland Shop features artists working
in the Cumberland Valley. They are located at
16 W. King Street, Shippensburg, PA
They feature Yellow Door Studio creations.
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