I love functional pottery!

(Click on photo for more) It's been tough keeping my studio warm these days, but I've still managed to make some new things. It's a great day when I can spend time in the studio, it's an even better day when it's above 50 degrees in there.

 This one has a two-tone blue design on  speckled tan background. 

I really do love making functional ware. Back in the old days when I was a student, functional ware wasn't what was on my mind. But now it's been over thirty years since my days in the Art Barn at USU. And it thrills me when someone buys my work to use in their kitchens. That way I can imagine them stirring a batch of muffins in a batter bowl, or emptying their utensil drawer into one of my jars. There something aesthetically pleasing about using a piece of art at the dinner table.

30.00

 Lately I've been making honey jars. I have friends who produce honey. We buy honey. We use honey, so I began making these jars. They hold over a pint and run around 32.00

 These little pitchers hold about a pint. Great for serving syrup or sauce. The ergonomic handle is comfortable and sturdier than my pulled handles.

Great soup or chili mugs. 16.00 each 

 

Still a favorite. My batter bowls are great for mixing or serving . They run from 35.00 to 45.00 depending on size. 

Sometimes I feel like the luckiest person alive

Freshly made bowls. Getting ready for Cache Valley Gardener's Market

On a hike near home with my friend DeAnna we got to see Indian Paintbrush

DeAnna with Avon in the background

A patch of Lupine

The end of our road. What you can't see is that we had just witnessed a mother sandhill crane coaxing her new baby across. We stayed way back to give them room. Unfortunately so far back you can't see them.

I love this willow that struggles through losing limbs. It has had better days.

Arrow leaf balsam root--prevalent this time of year.

Sa, an exchange student from Thailand is putting on handle on a mug he made.

It's been fun to share my studio with Sa. He's such a happy, talented, and hardworking young man. He leaves in June.

One of Sa's raw (before firing) mugs. I love his designs.

A rare sight. This young bullmoose was galloping by our house this morning. He seemed pretty frantic. I hope he found some shelter. We watched him run one way and then another. Finally disappearing from our view.

Sometimes I feel like the luckiest person alive. This time of year is really fun. Everything comes alive in Avon. My studio no longer requires the heater to blow full-time. I'm getting ready for Farmer's markets and art festivals. The sounds, sights, and smells of nature and wildlife are all around. Hiking weather is perfect. Life at it's best.