Starbucks and Local Art

I was in my local Starbucks store today and saw some beautiful handmade pottery for Portugal. While this is very nice, it occurred to me that we should be selling our local artisans if not instead of, at least in addition to art from other countries. In a time when everyone is so concerned about our country’s economy why are we not putting food on the table of those who live down the street but instead supporting those who live thousands of miles away? I am all in favor of supporting our global neighbors but what about the potter who lives next door? Should we not help those closest to us first?
It is not that I have no heart for those suffering many miles from me, it is that I DO have a heart for my suffering neighbors.
Let’s not forget that the USA is the most generous country in the world. Still, we have some of the worst slums and poorest people just blocks from our own White House. Why is that?
The mugs seen above were made by Twisted River Clayworks in Connecticut. They create pottery that is unique and eclectic. They use a potter's wheel, slabs of clay and other creative additions. All of their work is functional and made of stoneware. The glazes are certified food safe and contain no lead. Pots can be used in the microwave, dishwasher, and oven with care. They recommend heating the pot with the oven. Their work can be seen at http://www.twistedriverclay.etsy.com/
Twisted River has taken no part in this article and the ideas are my own and not a reflection of Ron or Char.
To be continued...

POTTERY

As a kid I alwys loved playing in the mud. My sister makes pottery and I tried my hand at it a few times...never could get it right but I sure do enjoy the handiwork of this lady at Dirt Girl Pottery. A lifetime Mainer she lives in Portland with her family and teaches art. Among the vases and mugs you will find some really fun and practical items such as ring stands and buttons as well as some little luxuries like hand made tiles and jewelry. Stop by and see Becky and her wares at http://www.dirtgirlpottery.etsy.com/

ART IN MAINE

I live and work in Maine and I love it here. In an effort to help out fellow Artisans and Crafters from Maine I am going to be featuring all kinds of local work; knit, crochet, paintings, pottery, lighting, clothing, just to name a few. Check back often or better yet just subscribe to the blog. There is a lot of wonderful talent here in Maine and my goal is to show you as much as I can in the upcoming months. Buy handmade!!! Many Artisans accept custom orders and they are very reasonable. Wouldn't you rather give a beautiful, quality handmade item than something mass produced? I will even feature patterns if you have the time and energy to make gifts yourself. I am going back to a desk job full time in an attempt to keep my bills paid so I may not be writing every day although I will certainly try. I was hoping to take a full year off but with the economy today I am not selling quite enough jewelry to live on. I am sure that is true of some of my fellow artisans so I hope this will help us all!

New Gallery Opening

A new gallery is opening in Portland, Oregon. CUBE Gallery at 4136 SE Hawthorne Blvd. in Portland, OR 97215 opens Sunday July 6, 2008. The gallery opens on the 6th at 6PM, thereafter the hours are 10 AM to 6PM Tuesday through Sunday allowing the two artists and owners, Kimberly Kent and Shannon Bodie a little time to pursue their passion in creating some the art to be displayed.
Although involved in a variety of mediums, Kimberly specializes in encaustic painting which can be seen on the web at http://kimberlykent.squarespace.com/ There Kimberly states "My current work represents the expressionistic landscape. Born of intimate plein air studies that bear the torch for my larger oil and encaustic paintings. Working in plein air allows me to see the natural world with all senses, not just my eyes. To experience nature as the precious gift we were given and have the responsibility to protect."
"Shannon Bodie has been working in graphic arts for over 17 years. After study as a fine artist, she joined Lightbourne in 1994 and became partner in 1999, where she continues Lightbourne’s reputation of outstanding service and award-winning design." (from lightborne.com). The web link to the gallery is http://www.thecubegallery.com/ and is not a complete site at this time but they are working toward that end.
In addition to fine art, jewelry, and pottery the gallery will offer classes in a variety of media.