What Are You Craving?

It is officially Fall according to the calendar. The temperature today is expected to reach in the 90’s. There are still signs of summer’s growth in the garden, but the earlier darkness and carpet of dead leaves along my walking route signal inevitable change. I notice I experience different food cravings depending on the season. Does this happen to you too? I’ve been searching my recipe collection to help me decide on something different for dinner. At night, my sweet craving has been strong. I’ve sought to satisfy it with a slice of cake, caramel M & M’s, and coffee ice cream. Each has tasted delicious, but not quite satisfied that craving. Any suggestions?

I planted a set of flowers to border the stone wall of this backyard garden this past week. If you look closely, you'll see some of my garden totems in the far right corner of the photo. This garden evolves throughout the seasons with new plantings and garden sculptures (including many of my own)!

As usual, my activity in the studio reflects what is happening in my life. The glaze colors I choose are often more subtle. The shapes I think about making are for serving food and entertaining. Often I make a dish with a specific recipe in mind.

I’ve replenished my supply of bird feeders for the garden in anticipation of helping them through a winter season. I still like a pop of color in my yard -- no matter the season. I tend to make these pieces in bright colors year round. 

Tell me what you are craving. Are there certain recipes that come back into rotation for you this time of year? Is there a certain type of pottery you use over and over in your kitchen or when you have company in the fall? What colors appeal to you this time of year? All this information is helpful to me in the studio. It inspires me and helps the creative process. Click here or the photo below to tell me!

Horn Of Plenty

I just completed this cornucopia-shaped container for a customer who wants to give it as a surprise gift to his wife. It was designed to fit a specific corner space of his newly remodeled kitchen. Our phone conversations and in-person meeting led to the form, color choice and size.

I love the symbolism of the triangular shape 'horn' and it’s association with fall and the harvest season. This time of year for me, ideas are flowing and productivity is in high gear. Pots in every stage of the making process are filling the studio.  Abundance is evident throughout my creative space.

As always, my life reflects the profusion of art in the studio. As we approach the shortening of daylight, the bounty of fall and winter holidays, and the time gathered with family and friends I revel in the fortune of all that is positive in my life. 

Like the horn of plenty I’ve just created in clay, my world is overflowing with so much that is good and sustaining. My goal is to keep that enthusiasm going when the inevitable stress levels get high!

 Here are a few of the shows that are scheduled so you can mark on your calendar too!

I'll be in Upstate New York October 14 for this fiber-happy show with some of my yarn-related and other household items. Click on the photo for more show details!

I'll be in Columbia, Maryland for the annual Linden Hall Holiday Craft Show November 5. I'm honored to be joining this talented group of artists to display and sell my clay art! Click on photo for more show details!

If you'd like to tap in to your own holiday creativity -- here's a perfect opportunity! Students will be making a variety of clay ornaments/gift tags in this fun class sponsored by The Muse.  We'll be using the same painting technique I've demonstrated in past pot-sticker and wind chime making classes! Click on photo to get class details and sign up!

Shedding Summer -- Forecasting Fall

Do you welcome the change of seasons? I’m a fan of the lower humidity and warm sunshine of fall. I don’t like the progressively early darkness. For me, this time of year signals high productivity in the studio. I welcome the structured days of making, glazing and firing as I prepare for several seasonal shows. It’s a fresh start after languid days of summer when my studio time competes with much loved outdoor activities. I think it’s reminiscent of the start of a new school year and the chance to start again, build on past lessons and create anew. 

I’ve got lots of custom projects in the works in addition to some of the new shapes I've been experimenting with in the studio. I'll load the kiln today with these recently glazed pie plates, yarn bowls and tiny dishes. The transformation between how they look here and the pops of bright color when they are fired is always exhilarating!

So how do you deal with the change of seasons? Do you celebrate with different decorations around the house? Do you feel a boost of energy? Maybe you express your creativity in the kitchen. Tell me about it. I'd like to know!