Handmade
Pottery & Decor

Beautiful morning light and a view from my little seat in the workshop. Caffé lattes and good conversation with mates in the local bar and the food ❤️!

There are also snippets of botanical inspiration and centuries-old architecture around every corner in Monte Castello di Vibio’s quiet little hilltop village.

And of course, there is the excellent instruction and inspiration from Michelle Gregor in her workshop, “Improvisation in Figurative Sculpture.”🔥

Most of all, I’m just so happy to be playing in clay! Creating, learning, laughing, and gaining so much inspiration from Michelle and other mates in the workshop – WOW!

It’s good for my soul. ❤️

#italytravel #umbria #ceramic #MonteCastelloAcademy #justfiredpottery …

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As I wandered through the Roman streets and into the gardens of Villa Borghese, I felt myself slowing down to notice the little things.

The rich colors of the foliage, the way the sunlight reflected through the leaves or shined on the lemon trees. The flowers and foliage tucked into unexpected corners, the architecture, the basilicas, the sculptures and everywhere I looked – ART ❤️!

Of course, my mind was already processing the inspiration… the colors, shapes, textures, movement, light.

I’m always looking for that connection between what I see and feel…A way to translate a moment, a place, a memory into something I can eventually make with my hands. As other ceramic artists know – this is not always an easy task.

Regardless, I love what travel and a little down time does for me…reflection, time, and space that I seldom take for myself – or ever really had in my previous career.

Sometimes, the slowdown is all I need…

#Rome #justfiredpottery #TravelAsAnArtist #italytravel …

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A little Rome magic I never expected…

While wandering through Rome, I happened upon a wedding taking place inside the breathtaking Basilica di Santa Maria in Aracoeli—the Church of St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven, high on the Capitoline Hill.

After climbing 124 marble steps (I think I counted correctly) to reach the church, I was rewarded with something I never expected—a wedding.

The chandeliers in the church were lit especially for the ceremony and created a magical ambiance.

The golden light, centuries-old frescoes, music, flowers, and the couple standing before the altar—it was one of those moments that makes you stop and simply say, “I am so lucky to share this moment.”

It brought me back many years to my own wedding. I remember Italian women calling out to me as I passed, “Buona fortuna” – wishing me good fortune for the life ahead.

So, to this beautiful couple whose special day I happened to witness by chance:

Buona fortuna!
May your life together be filled with love, laughter, adventure, and many beautiful surprises.

Funny how travel sometimes gives you a little glimpse into someone else’s story… and brings back a treasured piece of your own. #italytravel #catholicchurches #destinationweddingitaly …

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In the studio, making a new batch of mezuzahs—one of many pieces in my interfaith collection.

The multi-step making process gives me time to reflect, experiment, and re-imagine variations. It’s one of the things I love most about working with clay: each one, although created using a similar process, is truly unique!

I can’t wait to share these on my website sometime this fall and imagine the future homes, families, and guests they will welcome and bless as they cross the threshold. 🤍

#jewishart #judaica #mezuzah #ceramicart #justfiredpottery …

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