Hello, May! Here are a few updates on what’s been going on in the pottery studio lately. They include a berry bowl update, a new local retail partner, and the market schedule for May. Read on for more details!
Attack of the giant berry bowls
Berry season is almost here, which means I have been busy making lots of berry bowls in the studio. Not only are they a handy little kitchen gadget that looks great sitting out on the table at breakfast, overflowing with fresh strawberries or blueberries, but they make a delightful and unique gift as well. And what better time of year to have them available than early summer, in time for the first fruits of the season?
As I've been in the studio working on these beloved mini-colanders, I haven't been able to get the idea of giant, oversized ones out of my head. I could see it clearly as I worked; a wide white bowl with ruffled edges and an attached saucer, just like my smaller ones only quadruple the size. I saw them as centerpieces, I saw them on kitchen islands, I saw them in the garden filled with summer's first sun ripened heirloom tomatoes, ready to be washed, sliced, sprinkled with salt and pepper. I saw them sitting on the back porch by the screen door, filled with excess zucchini ready to be delivered to a neighbor. I saw them filled with fresh citrus, eagerly waiting to adorn a tall glass of iced tea or an evening cocktail...
I thought it was a ridiculous idea, of course. Totally impractical. Completely unnecessary. And yet...
There will be at least 4 giant berry bowls landing in the shop next week, along with plenty of regular sized and medium ones as well.
New pottery coming next week
I am a potter, first and foremost. I love to work. There's a great quote by Picasso: "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." What he means by that (or at least how I interpret it) is that you cannot wait to be inspired. You have to show up at that easel, or writing desk - or in my case pottery wheel - day in, day out. And then, when you least expect it, magic will happen. For me, even when I'm making the simplest of pots, I am doing what I love most. I just love to work.
Which is why I currently have a studio full of pottery that nobody except me has been able to enjoy! I have accumulated quite a lot of pieces that are finished and ready to find their new homes, but they just need to be photographed and added to the site. I am reluctantly taking time off from making new work next week so that I can get every last piece photographed and uploaded. I also plan on giving the website a little love so that it is easier to navigate. This is the less exciting side of being a full-time working artist, but I am happy to do it, especially if it means I can continue doing the work that I truly love!
some pots that just came out of the kiln last week and will be available next week
Everyday Earthe is available at Dogwood General Store in Shepherdstown, WV
Have you been to Shepherdstown? If you're not from the central/western Maryland region you probably haven't, but might I recommend it? If you do, stay at The Studio, grab a drink at the Meck or a coffee from Lost Dog, and visit Dogwood General Store.* Inside you'll find a beautifully curated shop full of natural, well-made, modern essentials. Mary, the incredible founder who brought this vision to life is often there herself. If you're lucky you might even spot the most adorable baby ever! I'm so happy to partner with Mary to bring some of my pots to Shepherdstown. I've been frequenting this gem of a town for over a decade, so this makes me so very happy! The only problem is every time I drop off pots, I want to buy something...
*also eat lunch at Blue Moon Cafe, or Maria's Taqueria, go to Four Seasons books, stop by the farmers market Sunday, go hike at Antietam Battlefield, walk the C&O canal, paddle the Potomac...can I just plan your vacation, please?
a peek inside Dogwood General Store
May Farmers Markets
Market season is in full swing! Opening day for the Boonsboro Farmers Market is Tuesday, May 7 and the Brunswick Market is already in its second month. Dates I will be attending in May are:
Boonsboro Farmers Market:
Tuesday, May 7th 4pm - 7pm
Brunswick Farmers Market:
Friday, May 12th 4pm - 7pm
Friday, May 24th 4pm - 7pm
While I will be there for opening day at Boonsboro, I do not have any other dates scheduled. I've got something else even better in the works, so stay tuned! If it works out, it will make it even easier to shop locally with me here in Boonsboro. I just need a few more approvals! Ok that's enough hinting around.
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