Illumination

Just back from Philadelphia where I attended the 44th Annual N.C.E.C.A. Conference...

It was an illuminating time, illustrated here by  Biello Martin Studio, a fabulous lamp maker's studio.

On the first day of the conference, I met Maha Ameen Khayat, who is a professor at the Princess Nora Bint Abdul Rahman University-whew, that's a mouthful!  Yes, she had flown all the way from Saudi Arabia and surely won the farthest distance traveled award.  We became fast friends and I now know more about her culture, thanks to her openness and candor.  She joined our clay posse and together we visited many, many galleries.  My feet are still recovering and my head is full of so many different things to do with clay, both sculptural and functional.  I don't think it's much of an exaggeration to say we visited over 50 galleries.  It quickly became overwhelming and I stopped worrying about photographing what I was seeing and simply looked.  

 Here are the pots I purchased from Alleghany Meadow's nomadic clay gallery.  The  ART-STREAM, is a converted AirStream which allows him to take his (and many other talented people's) pots on the road-brilliant!  I cherish my Mary Barringer pitcher and regret not buying the plate as well, but economy ruled my decision.

Before leaving for the trip, I broke my spoon rest, but now have a new one thanks to Kari Radash.

When I left for Philly, it was cold and dreary.  I came back to 90 degree weather and a pear tree in full bloom.  I wish spring had arrived more gradually, but I'm not about to complain...cutting grass is on today's "to do" list as well as other mundane household chores, but luckily I have lots to ruminate over while trimming the blades.