How are you doing? It’s been cold and snowing every day several inches in West Michigan. I start my day snow blowing, shovel mid day, and snow blow again at night. Leo loves the snowblower, he charges around biting at the flying snow.
I am headed to a month long clay course in Portugal. Tony Clennell promises to work me heard for 30 days. I have been looking at artwork that resonate with me, making notes about why I like them. Before I headed out, I did get a set of dinner plates and appetizer plates made for a good customer. They turned out great. I love this black glaze. One reason that I make simple plates is because I like food to be the focus not the thing they are served on. I think black dinnerware is a contemporary alternative to white dishes.
Do you travel with a mug? I thought about it on this trip since I am going to clay school. But, decided I would rather look for a handmade mug to take home. Mugs are nice to purchase as a reminder of a vacation. Easy to pack and a nice memory when you drink from it.
I am headed off on a big adventure. As, I stand on the Minneapolis Airport moving walkway looking out the window. I can’t help but wonder why we don’t put art on all large plain concrete buildings? Like this? (I photoshopped a Christi Dreese abstract painting into the picture.). Isn’t this more interesting for a traveler to look at while waiting to get to the next gate?


I made it to Portugal and was picked up at the Lisbon airport. It’s is such a small world. My classmates for the next thirty days are from Canada, Vermont, Nantucket, and Germany. Of course, the Vermonters know some of the same people that I do. The young man from Germany grew up in the town that my daughter did an artist residency last fall. Amazing!!
I am ready to have a fabulous dinner, talk pots, get some sleep, and get to work.
Take care, C2


