Jonathan Adler Video

love this guy.

Let me not forget to slave away. That's what it takes!

So talented...

Capoeira

Wow, I have not written anything in forever (how many blog posts start like that..).
I have been sewing and working some in the studio, although not as ferociously as before. After the big order for Dubai and the American Craft Council show (which sucked, btw) I was sucked dry.
All the remaining energy goes to life as it's lived and my new passion: Capoeira. I don't think I even mentioned it anywhere here yet. I started shortly before Thanksgiving when a friend showed me a postcard she had picked up in Little 5 Points. First class is free! Let's do it. So we drag ourselves to the 8:15 class in the evening. I remember thinking (not knowing one thing about it) "what if i really like this?". Well, this is what happens if you really like something: You make time for it, get fit, are sore, learn a lot, make new friends, and get in touch with a lot of things that make you up and grow from there. Capoeira is an amazing sport, philosophy, culture, that one cannot sum up in a few sentences. And I am the wrong person to write about it. Anyway, it's something I love now and maybe part of the reason my energy has been diverted. I am happy I am exercising again and I am getting fitter. I am learning a lot, which I missed. Of course now is summertime and my priorities are my kids, husband, and Capoeira. A little bit of pottery. I am really going to get in gear in the fall, when both kids are in school and I can focus on my business again. Lots of thinking going on, but I have to be patient with myself. Nothing big is going to happen in that department for a few months. So, I may be posting a few things here and there, but for now, just a brief update and what's going on. Of course, that reminds me that I have some Capoeira mugs in the oven; I am putting some decals on for my teachers... Peace & Axé!

Ritz Carlton, Dubai

For the past 2 months I have been very busy at work with another commission.
There are 5 24" carved discs and 9 20" squares that have to be done.
At this point I am almost done. A couple more firings and gilding of 3 squares and it's finally over. It's been so challenging and physically strenuous, but I learned so much from it...it's been worth the pain, but I can't wait to get a massage at this point. So here are pictures of the process, trials and errors.
I have done the discs before for the Hotel Felix in Chicago - just in a much smaller size.

Continuing the journey... Germany!

I have abandoned the blog for a while, I didn't take the time and didn't see the point of continuing it, but as I talked to Jeanette a while ago I realized it is a great record for myself. And so I have renewed energy to continue - for myself. It is too much pressure to think about others, how it could be perceived, etc. I am not a writer and I can't just focus on pottery alone. I can't take a stance and write about important issues in ceramics. I can only write about myself and my life with my kids and friends and family and all the little things that bring me joy (and sadness on occasion). So, if you care to read about it you're welcome to it, but don't expect greatness.

So, let me play catch up with all the little things that happened since last time.
I got to go to Germany for a weekend last November. By myself. To surprise my parents!
It was time for the annual fair and I missed it so. It was great.
Ferris wheel, Kettenkarusel, and the only stained glass project I have ever attempted and gave to my mother...