Summer plates

Posted on July 14, 2015January 27, 2020 Posted in Ceramics, Functional, Island ReportsTagged beach inspired, ceramics, functional art, handmade, Interiors, island life, optimism, Orcas Island, pottery, serving plate, summer living, textured2 Comments

Long, late, evenings outside in other people’s gardens, shared platters of salads and fresh berries, watching the last sunlight trail on the flat water, cool mountain hikes as that favorite birdcall echoes in the gathering dusk, kids on the grass until the stars come out. I was thinking about how to safekeep these beautiful summer moments and how to keep them fresh, so, when I looked over these shots I took of my new work, I realised – this being the seventh summer I’ve enjoyed on Orcas – I may have already stored them in the plates I just made.

Handbuilt porcelain dish, 18" long — Handbuilt porcelain dish, 18″ long

Handbuilt dish in cassius clay. 19" long. Food safe. — Handbuilt dish in cassius clay. 19″ long. Food safe.

Spring shore

Posted on April 7, 2015April 7, 2015 Posted in Ceramics, Island Reports, Studio NewsTagged beach inspired, ceramics, coastal living, design, Eastsound, functional art, handcarved, handmade, ocean colors, Orcas Island, pottery, Puget Sound artists, San Juan Islands, shell artLeave a comment

Spring had sprung when I looked up from my pinched pots; the hills and shores are alive. Millie, my mother-in-law a.k.a personal florist, brought me this beautiful bouquet picked this morning from her garden and I knew exactly which vase it should sit in.

Petite clam dishes with carved detail, oxide washes

Spring is here on Orcas Island and the pace in my studio has been fevered. I have been working on a new flock of birds that are awaiting their first firing and jewelry for the studio mixed media/ceramic line. One project I am really excited about is a small-batch collection of tableware for a local retailer to be launched this summer. Sneak preview soon, maybe 😉

And, very special thanks goes out to Outlook Inn on Orcas Island for featuring our very large mixed media wall piece, Collaboration I, by Christa Smith and I, in their restaurant, New Leaf Cafe – the must-do dining spot on my Orcas list for visiting family and friends. Heading out for a walk in the spring sun now, see you on the shore!

At the hostess table, New Leaf Restaurant, Orcas Island

Baskets of good intent

Posted on January 28, 2015January 28, 2015 Posted in Ceramics, Found Object Assemblies, Island Reports, Photo cards, Studio News, WearableTagged baskets, beach inspired, ceramics, coastal living, design, functional art, handcarved, handmade, Interiors, island life, Orcas Island, pierced, San Juan Islands1 Comment

Baskets in the studio window - porcelain, food-safe — Baskets in the studio window – porcelain, food-safe

Baskets for bag ladies - in shop window — Baskets for bag ladies – in shop window

I still say Happy New Year to people at this time of January to stoke a little of that fire of good intent that, I believe, most of us begin every new year with, even those among you who have sworn off resolutions. In the shop, the front table and the window display has been refreshed. I’ve started on a series of black clay vessels and a line of photo cards I’ve been working on are in print as I write this. Come visit soon and wish me a happy New Year in return.