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.
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