Inspired by the crazy.

Accompanying the house we bought, is the history of the owner – let’s call him Mr. D. – who left it behind. This history is littered with true stories from those that lived close by, personal experiences of my own, and much speculated about, illegal-goings-on-style neighborhood rumors and folklore. It wouldn’t be fun to keep this all to myself, so I will be sharing these stories – real and rumors – from time to time. And although these stories are a wee crazy and there is the possibility that there were some illegal happenings on the property, I actually liked this man a lot. Deep down, through the gruff exterior, he was a very caring person. He always asked me how my family was doing, especially Tate, and really looked out for those around him.

If you don’t already know this, I am also a potter and/or ceramic artist (use whatever terminology makes you happy) and I have not been to the studio since before Simone was born. It’s ok though. It’s hard to be a half hour from home, working with dusty, dirty clay and be exclusively breastfeeding at the same time. But, I’ve been ready to get back to the studio for a few months and really just looking for the proper motivation to make it happen. Today, I received that motivation.

I was thinking about Mr. D’s stories today while all was quiet and I was in the shower – which is the only time it is really quiet for me and therefore, I do believe, that I come up with some of my best ideas while naked in the shower. So there I was, washing my hair and thinking about what I am going to do next in the studio and what those pieces will begin to look like… and suddenly, the greatest rush of inspiration entered my brain on how to capture Mr. D’s stories and incorporate them into my ceramic work. I found myself sketching ideas on the steamy shower door and actually jumping with glee – carefully though… I was in the shower.

I now have plans for a series of vases, based on the neighbor’s stories and an entire dinner service for the new house, based on the animals that were raised and lived in Mr. D’s home. My first step will be to photo document the chicken coops, pigeon pens, rabbit hutches and cages in the backyard. That’s correct… you heard right. Chicken coops, pigeon pens, rabbit hutches and cages!!

I told you this property came with a history.