A great fathers day in Tomales Bay with fresh oysters and good friends.
- Our Picnic Group with Hunter cooking for
- Fathers Day
- Oysters with butter sauce, yum!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Fathers Day at Tomales Bay
Recent Trip to Sacramento
On a job scouting trip to Sacramento Mark and I poked around the city imagining ourselves living there. We loved Midtown with all of the tree lined streets and wonderful old houses, the shade of the big Redwood trees in the Capital Park, the Crocker Museum, the Sacramento River and all of the outdoor cafes. We found Chandos Tacos out on Arden Way with a long line of people waiting, always a good sign; we stopped and were not disappointed.
- Chandos Tacos 863 Arden WayCrocker Museum Sacramento
- Our Capital
More John and Carol Pictures
- Old mouser napping among the pottery.Fresh Laundry
- The vegetable garden.
John Powell and Carol Tomlinson Studio Visit
John and Carol live the simple life many of us admire but haven’t figured out how to go back to. They love their work of creating stoneware pottery which is not only practical but beautiful.
John and Carol live in the foothills with a view of Monterey Bay where they grow their own vegetables, use the kiln they built by hand and actually dry their clothes on a clothes line when the weather permits. They make an effort at keeping their life slow which is easier said than done. I remember Carol telling me early on when I met them, that they were very careful about what they put on their calendars as they like the slow more balanced life they live and want to keep it that way. Getting out into nature is a vital part of their balanced life and they take advantage of the abundance of hiking trails in Monterey County.
The designs on their pottery are incised using traditional folk craft techniques. It is painted with oxides, glazed and high-fired. They use non-toxic materials and the pieces can be safely used in a dishwasher or microwave.
John roasts their coffee beans himself and makes superb coffee. With his cooking background they enjoy the bounty of their garden, cooked into his repertoire of delicious recipes. Carol has an eye for colorful textiles and has decorated their home with Suzanis, Frasadas and handwoven textiles from Latin America. She paints the interior of their home the way Frieda Kahlo would have and lets their favorite pieces of their own pottery speak for itself sitting on shelves within reach of being used.
You can view their wares online at http://www.nidoart.com
- John and Carol in front of the tea house they made from willow branches.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Along the Salinas River in Moss Landing, California
Friday, May 13, 2011
Maneki Neko
Maneki Neko
Beckoning Cat, Welcoming Cat, Lucky Cat, Money Cat or Fortune Cat. These cats first appeared during the later part of the Edo period (1603 – 1867) in Japan. I recently found this wonderful Lucky Cat at an estate sale. It is from 1945 and is adorable. The estate sale had many things from Japan but this charming cat beckoned me to take her home. I think the blue around her eyes are what caught my attention. Many of the Lucky Cats today are made of plastic but this one is made of clay and is also a bank. She measures 13 1⁄2" H X 9" W.
They first became popular in the early 1900’s being purchased for good luck and prosperity.
There are several different stories of how this cat came to be so highly revered.
Now they are often seen in shops for good luck.
This one will be for sale at www.nidoart.com soon.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Mother's Day Gifts 10% off until Mother's Day
John Powell and Carol Tomlinson's ceramics make beautiful gifts for any occasion. From a small saucer which anyone would enjoy receiving, to a platter or bowl for a wedding gift, their work gives lasting enjoyment. When you are not using the dishes for food they are beautiful sitting on a table or hanging on the wall.
They are all 10% off until Mother's Day.
They are all 10% off until Mother's Day.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Jenny Morten's Stripey Bowls
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Sunday May 8th is Mother's Day
Mother's Day is coming up, (Sunday May 8th) and I am giving a 10% discount from now until Mother's Day.
There is jewelry and ceramics to choose from and of course the fine art, textiles and ethnic art for the Mother who has everything.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Opening the door to NIDOART online
After spending an hour trying to remember my password and finding my way around I will attempt to do a little blogging. It's obviously been a while...
I have opened the door to my new online shop and love the challenge of creating a business in cyber space. I also enjoyed getting all of your emails of encouragement; putting faces to them was fun.
I am planning to make this shop as tactile and personal as possible. Your comments and emails will help with that.
Once again, one of my most favorite things is bringing artists to your attention, and there are so many. Sometimes, people don't realize how they can have great art in their home for a reasonable price and get years of enjoyment from it. If you have never purchased art before and think it might seem frivolous I can assure you in these times more than ever you will find great solace in the enjoyment you derive form it.
Look at this piece by David Fleming titled Matisse's Chair. Dave has captured Matisse's style so well, it's as if, it is Matisse's chair or something he would have painted. I love this painting. I find it cheerful... something I would love to wake up to in the morning or glance over at while having a cup of tea. I love the colors and how he thought to make the heater part of the composition.
You can see this and more of David Fleming's work at my online shop, www.nidoart.com along with David's artist statement.
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