Turn Earth Day Into Every Day!

Most of last week has been spent firing the last kiln-fulls of pottery and packing boxes in preparation for my trip to Panoply in Huntsville, Alabama. I’ve rented a trailer to transport lots (and lots) of pottery there. I’m looking forward to the festivities, reconnecting with the friends and making new ones! You can follow this journey with me on my Instagram account. I’ll post pictures throughout the week. I’m ready for this adventure to begin!

Yesterday’s celebration of Earth Day is an annual reminder to cherish and care for our environment. Ending plastic pollution is one of the goals of this year’s campaign. (Like switch out pottery for plastic -- hint, hint!) I’m going to try to reduce my own plastic footprint. Will you join me? Click on the photo above to learn more!

When you choose plastic, try to reuse it again and again! These bins have carried pottery to shows, supplies to my kid's colleges, and stored valuables in the basement.

Do you remember when wearing your seatbelt in the car was not a law? Now, this safety feature is so habitual that I can’t imagine driving without being buckled in. Hopefully, eco-friendly habits will continue to make way into our daily routines so each of us can make Earth Day into every day.

Okay Huntsville, ready or not, here I come!

Pulling It Together

Studio time this past week has been dedicated to completing pieces to bring to the Panoply Arts Festival in Huntsville, Alabama at the end of April. What once felt like the distant future, is suddenly almost here. At this point, everything I could possibly bring has been made and fired at least one time. Final glazing and keeping the kiln ‘cooking’ non-stop is the current norm. 

In between the final stages of clay-making — packing pottery, making lists for the display and show supplies, fretting over inventory (too much? not enough?) are on my mind. This stage of  the creative process is when many artists I know (including me), feel vulnerable. Hours and hours of time and effort go into any creative display or sale. Bringing our creative effort out of the studio and into ‘the public’ is both thrilling and terrifying. 

I attended the opening reception of a textile-centered show this week. Several of the artists in the show are my friends. Each of them talked about their creations and voiced their passion, motivation, and process that are universal for all creative endeavors. I can appreciate their effort from both sides — as an observer and a maker. 

I love what I create and that simple fact helps keep me grounded in the final frenzy of show preparation. I try to build that joyous spark from my studio into each clay vessel hoping it can bring some pleasure as it is used in daily life. Look out Huntsville, I'll be there before you know it!

Taking Root

This week has been a whirlwind. I travelled to Huntsville, Alabama for a private sale of my pottery at the home of my daughter’s imminent in-laws. I was welcomed with open arms and helped by an incredible team of hosts to showcase my ceramic art. I am humbled by their generosity and support. Twenty percent of my proceeds will be donated to a local charity. 

I sold lots of pottery, made many new friends, learned some new words, and tasted some delicious southern recipes. As I head back north, I’m ready to get back to the studio to fulfill the numerous special orders I received, replenish my inventory for upcoming local shows, and savor the extended roots I’ve planted in a new community. 

Thank you, Huntsville, for making me feel right at home. I’m already looking forward to my next trip south! All in all, I'd say my experience can be described with one of my new words: groovylicious!