Inspiration
I bring forth the tradition of my ancestors. Mountain folk who knew the land and seasons and plants around the Blue Ridge Mountains. I call upon them to guide me on this journey of creating and keeping tradition alive through my own interpretations. Obsessed with the magic and beauty of nature, my pots are inspired by this love! I love gardening and cooking, working with plants as medicine and spending time in the woods. Nothing feels as nostalgic and sweet as a bouquet of handpicked flowers. I try to capture this simple joy in the spontaneity of my work. On a artistic level, I am inspired by the Japanese masters, american folk potters, korean folk potters, mexican and south american folk potters, as well as, spanish and portuguese folk potters. I also spend a lot of time in thrift stores, flea markets and antique shops. I gather a lot of inspiration form the past. It finds its way into my work with my love for vintage and antique china and vintage scientific botanical prints.
Process
Both wheel thrown and handbuilt, each piece is made individually by hand. They are fired in my studio to cone five in an electric kiln. They are all dishwasher, microwave and oven safe. My intention and hope is that you will choose to use them every day.
Life
I believe that the life you live speaks through your art or craft. If I had to describe my daily life, I would say that I spend most of my hours looking for inspiration. This inspiration is not just in an artistic sense, but also an emotional, physical and philosophical sense. I try to find magic in everyday life. In the small things.
Much of this magic comes from spending time outside. Sunset, as much as sunrise, as much as mid- night stars, as much as midday clouds, I love it all. The wind, stillness, winter, spring, summer, fall...the whole world coming together to create this perfect tiny moment in the great weaving of time. Of course life is crazy and hectic and stressful and sad! Somehow, it is the magic keeps all of that… manageable.
I do not have much as far as material possessions, compared to some, but everything I have, to me, is special and beautiful. My house is covered in little tiny altars, often containing found objects from nature, other artist's handmade gifts, photos and momentos, postcards, souvenirs from the travels of my loved ones, and vintage treasures from my hours of scouring thrift stores and antique malls, I rarely buy new things and love the idea of bringing new life and love to someone else's former things.
I love exploring, treasure hunting, hiking, yoga, cooking, gardening, growing herbs, food and flowers, canning, preserving, homesteading, photography, drawing and painting. Obviously, this comes out in my work. I love long drives in the country as much as I love getting lost in the busy nightlife of city streets. I believe this comes out in my work. I love running, paddling rivers and oceans, and my dogs. Yes, this too comes out in my work! I am obsessed with yoga, and practice daily, it keeps me grounded and clear and inspired. Living is inspiration.
Thank you for supporting me and for supporting local art!
~ Trista