Some of this week’s pots… can you picture topiaries planted in them?

I am MUCH better at collecting ceramics than making them… but I did jump at the chance to do some throwing this winter when I found out that my sister-in-law was taking a class with one of her friends at Clayscapes in Syracuse. It has been at least 15 years since I’ve done any throwing and I am slowly (very slowly) getting up to speed.

I’m so happy that I found out about Clayscapes! There are rows of wheels, shelves for drying and kilns in the studio while the Gallery and store for materials is located next door within the same building. The classes are 10 weeks long. For more information here is their website.

The Flower Show is around the corner and I am always looking for nice containers to pot my topiaries in that are for sale in my booth. Although it is the busiest time of my business year and I’m trying to create a new product line I of course saw no reason to not make my own pots as well.  Am I as crazy as that sounds?  It is possible.  Remind me to start earlier next year.

I am no Guy Wolff or Goff Creek Pottery- check them out… amazing! It has been a great opportunity to play with clay again, visit with Kitty and Val and be in ceramic studio environment. So much talent!

Speaking of talent, our teacher Tim See makes it all look so easy. Check out this amazing video on YouTube. I’m in awe. I have learned so much in the few short classes that I’ve attended. It’s challenging to only be there one day a week but with the kids, farm, family and business… I can’t really even afford that but I know it’s important for my creativity.

Wednesday was a productive day!

So, stop by my booth if you are attending the Flower Show and see what made it through the fire. Maybe I’ll put some on my website later as well if my throwing isn’t terribly haphazard.

And, let me encourage you to DO something that you haven’t done in a while!! Do something that you’ve never done before but always WANTED to. It’s good for your soul and your spirit! Time is of the essence friends. : ) Enjoy some of the pieces for sale in the Clayscapes Gallery-

Bookmark & Share

Finally! My newest design “Hawaiian Hedge” for the upcoming  2012 Philadelphia International Flower Show-  Hawaii: Islands of Aloha. It’s a lot of fun to create new images based on the theme of the show. Last year’s Paris Hedge was a hit and as you can see, the bunnies from Hedges & Hares are at it again this year! This design will be available on Notecards, Framed/Matted Prints, Linen Guest Towels, Lavender Sachets, Limited Edition Pillows and Coasters.

If you’ve never been to the Philadelphia Flower Show you really should put it on your bucket list! It is unlike any other flower show that you will ever see. I can’t wait to see the tropical paradise this year. Here are highlights from the 2010 show!

Surf’s up! : )

Bookmark & Share

I’m getting ready for the Allentown Festival this weekend. Shown below are some new paintings/studies that I hope to have framed for the show. Which one is your favorite? They don’t have titles yet… any suggestions?

Bookmark & Share

I am writing today from the doghouse… because I am SO late in sending out orders taken during the Flower Show. I am SO sorry! I hate being behind. Little did I know that I would be staying home with sick children the week I got home… and then come down with the flu the next week. I promise that I didn’t fall off the edge of the earth nor have I forgotten about any orders!

Remaining orders will be shipping this week! Yay. The kids are back in school and I am finally out of bed and rearing to go. : )

While contemplating the benefits of lying perfectly still as to not feel any muscle/joint aches last week I came up with the sweetest little rabbit “get well soon” design. I can’t wait to paint it and it truly did make me feel better as I began to work out the little details in my head. Look for her in a couple of weeks!

As for this winter…. I have officially had it. I’m ready for warmer temps, daffodils, tulips, kids in shorts, tired dogs, horses with no blankets and open windows with Spring’s healing breezes trickling through.

Bookmark & Share

We are pleased to announce that 15% of sales of any product featuring the Paris Hedge design (shown above) will be donated to Friends of Topiary Park in Columbus, OH during the week long Philadelphia International Flower Show. So stop by booth 535 at the show and support a historical jewel in the gardening community!

For more information on The Topiary Park go to their website and read on this blog about Michelle’s visit to the gardens last Fall with her family.

Bookmark & Share

Ahhh. Paris. I’ve been listening to Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel to get into the spirit as I work… such fun! This design will be available at the Philadelphia Flower Show as a greeting card, blank notecards and perhaps 8 x 10 prints.  Hope you enjoy it!

Bookmark & Share

The weather was beautiful last weekend in Rochester and the crowds turned out for the festival. There were lots of clouds on Sunday but the rain held off for the most part. Yay. Being an artist that works primarily with paper can be quite challenging on a rainy day.

It was great to see my marvelous customers. One lady said that she had followed my work for the past 13 years! Since my debut at Clothesline. What an honor! I had to chance to meet alot of new faces even a Facebook Fan! How cool is that?

Here are a couple of highlights from the show. There was the beautiful gallery, of course…

the lovely atrium interior with a Henry Moore sculpture

a very interesting 4th Rochester Biennial exhibit. Loved this kinetic piece by Anne Havens.

There was music, food, and lots of artwork.

Sales were brisk. Yay. If you know me then you know I am a ceramics junkie. If I have a good show I am strongly inclined to purchase a new piece to celebrate. I thought it would be fun to introduce you to some of my favorite Upstate New York ceramicists.

Shown above are the pieces that I purchased this year. Aren’t they lovely. I can’t keep my hands off that mug. I feel very special drinking my coffee and tea from this earthy and contemporary cup. I can’t wait to use the bowl at our next family gathering or dinner club. The artist Renata Wadsworth is from Ithaca and her work is available online www.natapots.com and at the MAG gallery store.

This raku tile piece is by my friend Peter Valenti from Syracuse. We have been neighbors at the show and have watched each others children grow up from year to year. Peter primarily does wall pieces but often has vessels in his booth. His work can be purchased at shows and Eureka Crafts in Syracuse.

One of my favorite ceramist is Hodaka Hasebe. I have many of his pieces and have given lots of them as gifts. The glazes, texture, shape and functionality of his vessels have always appealed to me. His work can be purchased directly at many Upstate New York art festivals or in his etsy shop.

If my life could spare the time I would love to do ceramics again. I have 2 kilns that are waiting to be used. An old gas studio kiln out in the barn and a small electric kiln. Unfortunately my weak wrist has a hard time manipulating clay these days but I sure gave it a whirl in college. The piece shown below I made in a class at RIT. It is based on Franz Marc’s  The Large Blue Horses painting. Farmboy and I carried it around for 10 years stowing it under beds and in the basement of whatever place we were renting before we were able to actually install it.

I love sitting at the wheel. The whole centering process. You know I’ve said before that I was the self-professed Mud-Pie Queen in Mississippi growing up. I’m certain that has something to do with my love of gardening and ceramics. The firing process is like magic. Everytime the kiln opens its like Christmas morning. Although I don’t create ceramics anymore, I certainly appreciate their beauty and craftsmanship. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing some ceramics work from some very talented artists. Be sure to check out their websites!

Bookmark & Share

Ooo, la, la! Here’s tiny sneak peak into some other things that have been going on around here! The theme for the Philadelphia Flower Show 2011 is “Springtime in Paris” and I am having so much fun getting ideas, patterns and fabrics pulled together for some new pillows and products to share!

Here are a couple new pillow designs featuring the Country French Animals, Fleur de Lis and a vintage photo of the Eiffel Tower. Love those contrasting textures and patterns! They are even reverseable.

And wine bottle bags… which is your preference? Burlap or silk? Seriously… I’m dying to know!

Bookmark & Share

I love the Clothesline Festival. I remember walking the show years ago when I was in college at RIT and being so impressed with the work that I saw. This will be my 13th year of doing the show. The first year I was thrilled to be one of the Merit Award winners- it was just the encouragement that I needed at that time to continue with my painting.

The show is on the grounds of the Memorial Art Gallery in downtown Rochester. The gallery is open to the public during the show upon paying the entrance fee. One of the perks of winning the Merit Award is that you can choose to move to a different (more visible) location in the festival. For the past 12 years I have loved my location, my neighbors, my shade tree and knowing that my customers know where to find me. This year there is a proposed sculpture park that has caused all of the vendors in my section to be relocated to the back of the gallery. I’m kinda bummed to say the least.

#127-  is my new booth number. It’s in the nose bleed section. Please take the time to find me if you are attending the show.  I have lots of new work this year. Shown above is a painting that I just finished last night. I love the abstract quality of it. I took many photos this year at the Walnut Hill Carriage Competition in Pittsford- this is the first of many paintings in a series.

Of course there will also be new topiary designs! See you there!

Bookmark & Share

Bound by Steel & Water

Miraculous Miss

Composition of Blown Glass

River Basin  at Taughannock Falls, Ithaca, NY

The above matted paintings will soon be available on my website under the Fine Art heading. Each painting is double matted with 1/2 in. reveal in 100% rag archival matting with archival foamcore backing. The pricing will go up once the pieces are framed for the upcoming Clothesline Festival Sept 11th & 12th. For more information please call 888.313.0239.

Bookmark & Share