Anastasia Bliss was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. The daughter of the world-renowned photographer, the late Arington Hendley, she was immersed in art from birth.
She moved to Colorado after having finished her BFA in ceramics from Georgia State University.
She saw a potter demonstrating when she was only 4 years old and was mesmerized, instantly drawn to the process. She began working on the pottery wheel at the age of 14 and began showing her work professionally at just 15 years old. She now has 30 years of experience.
Having lived in a very culturally diverse city, her curiosity, along with her love of other cultures and travel blossomed.
Anastasia took a year off from college to live and teach in Taiwan, where she fell in love with the art and architecture of Asia. She traveled to far-flung parts of the globe, adapting Moorish design and elements of nature and many other Eastern themes into her artwork.
These can all be seen in the designs which she carves into many of her wheel-thrown pieces.
Anastasia especially loves to create functional pottery, feeling that her artwork should be used and enjoyed from a practical as well as an aesthetic standpoint.
She employs the use of exaggerated forms and shapes, pushing the limits of the clay.
She began her teaching career at the age of 23 and derives joy and energy from interacting with her students and fellow artists at Main Street Gallery.
Anastasia is the director of the ceramics department at Main Street Gallery, where she produces all of her artwork, and shows her work in the gallery.
She shows at art exhibitions nationally and has done TV and Youtube appearances, describing and demonstrating her art.
Anastasia has won awards for both her artwork and her teaching.
She currently lives in Reunion, Colorado with her wonderful and supportive husband, and lovely and sweet daughter.