LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Art is Good for the Soul

Last week my husband and I went to our favorite potter to purchase a birthday gift for my best friend. I found the piece I wanted to buy for her immediately.

As we browsed around the shop, a large vase caught our eyes. We looked at it, thought about it, and it was clear we both loved it. But it was a bit pricey, and we really didn't need it, so we decided not to purchase it.

That evening we talked about the vase, where it might fit, and just how much we liked it. The next day, my husband went down to the potter and purchased it.



This shot gives you a better idea of size.

There have been so many times in our married lives when we wouldn't think of such a spur-of-the-moment purchase like this. We always lived well below our means, never feeling the need for a lot of "things." We were the last family in the neighborhood to get a large color television, the last to get a VCR, and the last to get a DVD player. Except for our first cars and our houses, we never bought anything we couldn't pay for right then. So, it's nice to be in a position to have our future secure financially, and to be able to purchase some lovely art work just because we love it.
Oh...what did I get for my friend? It is a two-foot-tall woman holding a bowl.

When I put her on this little table to take the photograph, the last of the evening sun was shining through the windows. She looked so lovely there, I hated to pack her up for shipping. Looking at the photograph now, I just might have to make another trip to the potter and commission one for us.

16 comments:

Kathi said...

Wow! That's some terrific work your local potter does!

I always enjoyed pottery and was impressed by the skills it took, but since I have been taking classes, I am AMAZED by some of the things I see real potters do. For instance, getting the height on that "old man" vase is incredible. And the color and glazing on the woman holding the bowl. Far out!

Sheesh. I wonder if I will ever accomplish anything half so wonderful.

~kathi

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

Both pieces are really wonderful but my fave is the woman holding the bowl. She's lovely.

Cicero Sings said...

Lovely purchases. What a unique potter! Yes, Art IS good for the soul.

Dog_geek said...

I really love the vase - I can see why your husband went back for it.

Also, I wanted to thank you again for all the info you gave me about Medicare benefits for my Dad - it made such a difference to know just who to talk to and just what to ask for. I can't thank you enough for your help!

The Birdlady said...

What beautiful pieces! I think I need to get on your gift list!

Jayne said...

Those are such wonderfully, expressive pieces Carolyn. How special that you can now have those things around you which bring you so much joy. Your friend is a lucky duck! :c)

Ruth said...

I think it is wonderful that you buy from a local artisan rather than from a store that may offer cheaper imported goods. I try not to buy "Made in China" unless there is no alternative, especially for ornamental items.

troutbirder said...

Enjoyed seeing the pottery and thought I was reading about our own financial history and attitudes. Enjoy!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Carolyn: What a cool post and i'm glad your hubby got you the vace. It is really cool.

Shelley said...

I loved both pieces that you picked up. And how nice that you splurged on yourself - I bet you appreciate it that much more!

NCmountainwoman said...

Kathi - When I said "potter" I was really referring to a three-generation family of potters. They all have such skill, and the old man was actually the work of two brothers; one who throws big pots and one who does the faces. The lady with the bowl was done by another of the brothers. And, YES, with the progress you have made I have no doubt you will be doing things just as wonderful.

Lynne - I must admit that I also fell in love with her. It was hard to send her packing.

Cicero - I should have clarified that it is more than one potter...it is a family of them.

Dog geek - Thanks. And I was glad to be of some little help. Good luck with your dad.

Helen - It is great to be able to find such unique gifts made right here in the mountains.

Jayne - We do so enjoy having local art. And our town is full of extremely talent artisans.

Ruth - I am grateful that we are not forced to purchase from big box stores. We pay more at our local hardware, our locally owned grocer, etc., but the service and quality are well worth it.

Troutbirder - Thanks. I am concerned about the young generation who think they must have everything and have it now. I shudder when I read what the average American owes to credit card companies.

Fishing guy - I'm glad he got it as well. We've been together long enough that I wasn't surprised.

Shelley - Yes, I think we do enjoy finding something we weren't looking for.

MicheleRF said...

Two very nice pieces Carolyn. Glad you were able to get the vase you wanted, it will be good for your soul.

Unknown said...

Now you are a gal I can connect with. I love pottery and purchase when I can afford it. Love those two pieces but especially the woman and bowl.

Does your potter have a web site?

NCmountainwoman said...

Toni - Yes, here is the Web site
http://www.muddabbers.com

Unknown said...

Carolyn thanks for the link. :)

Diane said...

Amazing pottery! I can see why you both liked it.