About Amigas Design

Amigas Ceramic Design became a reality as a result of two continents, two friends and an idea. Sharon Gallinger and Katarina McCombe met in Santiago, Chile a number of years ago after each of their families transferred there in 2000. They met in a ceramic art class and discovered they had both relocated to Chile from Oakville, Ontario. Flash forward six years - both are back in Oakville and have pooled their creative energies to form Amigas Ceramic Design. Katarina and Sharon each design and paint the pieces which are available for sale and custom order.

Katarina McCombe was born in Slovenia, raised in Canada and is a graduate of Queen's University. She has lived and travelled all over Central and South America, Canada, and the United States. Although she holds a degree in commerce, Katarina's main interest is a love of art. Katarina became a skilled quilter and textile artist while living in northern Ontario. She studied watercolour, weaving, and silk screening while in New Brunswick, and clothing design in Honduras. During the five years she lived in Chile, Katarina studied ceramic arts. Katarina's extensive travels throughout Latin America provide the inspiration for her ceramic art. The vitality, energy, vibrancy, and light of these exotic lands fuel her creativity and are found in her unique pieces.

Sharon Gallinger was born in Canada and has lived near Toronto much of her adult life. In the last few years, however, she has also resided in Santiago, Chile and Houston, Texas. Sharon attended York University and graduated with an honours degree in Political Science and Mass Communication. For the next dozen years, she worked as a magazine editor, community newspaper reporter, columnist, press liaison and freelance writer. In 2000, Sharon and her family relocated to Chile, where they lived for several years. Unable to continue her writing career there, Sharon turned to painting as a creative outlet. Having studied pottery and painting as a child and into adulthood, ceramic art proved to offer both the challenge and creative outlet she desired. An avid gardener, Sharon is inspired by the beauty of nature which is evident in her pieces.

Their offerings include; hand painted ceramic art vases, custom ceramic art pieces such as plates, bowls, and other table wares.