Why Angels?

My affinity for angels probably started while I was growing up. A print of Lauren Ford’s Guardian Angel hung in my room for as long as I can remember. It shows a little girl in a forest surrounded by animals and nature with an airy translucent angel floating in the background. I felt comforted by this image. This print currently hangs in my studio as an inspiration and connection to my past. 

Lauren Ford's Guardian Angel was created in 1891

Fast forward. I started creating angel-related clay art in the 1990s. My friend Patti was diagnosed with breast cancer. She faced the disease and the treatments head-on with her usual positive and happy outlook. At the time she was a recent widow and single mother of three young children. Unfortunately, she lost this battle and died in 1995.

I used the Raku method of firing to create these angels over the years. It was the start of my multi-media approach to clay. The first year I made these I used actual springs from the hardware store to create the hair. Then I discovered colorful wire and beads! Look out!!! 

Patti was the first of my friends and acquaintances to give Breast Cancer a name and a face for me. So I started creating a clay angel form each year to help me honor my friend Patti and the subsequent people I knew who were diagnosed. It helped me work through my feelings in the studio and do ‘something’ to help raise money and awareness about cancer. A percentage of my yearly proceeds is donated to a variety of Breast Cancer and Hospice charities. 

This angel candle holder series shows my love of texture way back when!

I have stayed in touch with Patti’s family off and on through the years. And this year, after connecting with her grown daughter on-line, I’ve just sent off a package of Patti’s-inspired angels to be distributed to her family throughout the holidays. It’s a full circle moment and makes me feel good. 

Angels have taken on a variety of shapes and functions throughout the years. Angel ornaments can decorate a holiday tree or become part of an art collection. The potsticker version can be used outdoors in the garden or indoors in a houseplant.

So here's the 2015 Angel/Patti-inspired clay item. It's a reminder that time does tick by and savoring our family, friendships and special moments is always a good choice to make. You can add one to your collection by clicking on the photo.

Calendar Drill

I love this phrase! My girlfriend Margaret uses this saying when she and her family coordinate their calendars for upcoming events. And this time of year when the days seem to zip by, evening darkness arrives much too early and activities abound – a good ‘calendar drill’ is in order.

Beyond dates and times, for me, a calendar drill is a great moment to think about how my time is spent throughout the day and what is truly important. As we often do at the beginning of a yoga class, it’s a good time to set intentions. An internal (as well as family-oriented) regular calendar drill is a good habit to develop.

Throughout the upcoming holiday rush, blur of cooking, constant cleaning,  abundant eating, annual parties, obligatory shopping, gift giving and gathering of family and friends -- do a mental calendar drill. Prioritize. No need to overdo. Remember to be in and actually enjoy the moment. 

So here's one important event I have on the studio calendar this coming week. I'd like you to add it to your calendar as well!

ClayByLaura Open Studio Sale*

Saturday, November 14

1 - 4 pm

9176 Bealls Farm Road, Urbana, Md.

*20% of sales will be donated to Frederick, Md. 'Blessings In A Backpack'

(If you can't make it to Maryland this weekend, and would like to participate, I'll donate 20% of all on-line sales I receive by end of day November 14 to this worthy cause -- providing hungry children with food to eat on the weekends -- as well.)