I am looking forward to a gentle 2013 with lots of studio time. I have some artistic and technical things that I really want to get at, but for the most part I'll be working on the pieces that people want.
Jane Thelwell (a potter) and I will be doing a collaboration and, if successful, should provide a new product variation for our customers.
Over the past several years I have become more involved in the spiritual nature of who we are and why we are here. This has included sweats and, most recently, helping to build a kiva. Over the course of events I have been approached to make smudge boxes. This, in itself, is an interesting project. Due to the spiritual use of the smudge box, I felt that I could not ask for payment for these pieces in the usual manner. I will not accept money for them. It is so impersonal. The arrangement that I have made is the receiver gives me something that represents the value that the smudge box has to them. In many of the ceremonies that I have participated in, one has to give in order to receive. I have tried to follow that idea with the smudge boxes.
While this has been a nice interlude, I really must get back to my studio sanctuary. It is a place of peace, well-being and creativity. I will stop back here again, but for now, I wish you all the best in 2013!