Collaboration Feature #3: Potter Stacy Snyder

Hello, Friends! 

I am so excited for you to “meet” my friend and potter Stacy Snyder via today’s post, the latest in my Collaboration series featuring fellow moms, entrepreneurs and creative business owners.

I met Stacy years ago; our kids went to the same preschool. We share a love of natural textures, printing techniques and color. The past two springs, we collaborated on a Spring Studio Sale. It has been such a treat to watch her craft evolve over the years.

Earlier this year, Stacy and I chatted more about her work over coffee. (Who wouldn't want to drink coffee out of this mug?!). I hope you enjoy learning more about Stacy's work as much as I did. 

xo, 

Kate

p.s. Attention, Holiday Shoppers! If you are looking for hand crafted, functional and beautiful holiday gift ideas, check out Stacy's Holiday Pottery Sale happening this weekend at her home studio. Located at 508 N. Kenmore Street in Arlington, VA, hours are 10a-5pm this Saturday, 12/3 and 12-5p on Sunday, 12/4. 

Pictured above: one of Stacy's beautiful mugs on my desk. My favorite way to start any morning!

When did you start your career as a potter?

In 1999, I built my cabin and studio and officially started as a professional potter.

Where do you draw inspiration?

One of my main sources of inspiration are photographs of the collaborative duo, Bernd & Hilla Becher, German photographers of industrial architecture ... and bike races! I love the energy and complexity of the races … the little villages that they go through … the roof lines in the architecture.

Pictured above: bike mugs and vases from Stacy's new white clay series

I also love the work of the historic Japanese potter, Rosanjin.  He would create these sets of plates - but instead of all being the same, they were part of a family. Similar … yet each one unique. They would look like brothers and sisters; quintuplets! He also had a way of layering surfaces, contrasting colors, foreground and background.

How do you approach your craft today?

One of my major goals in the work I do is to develop a contrast - for example, contrast in delicacy and strength, shiny and matte textures; bold and delicate lines, colors and black & white.

 

Photos above courtesy of Stacy Snyder Pottery

What advice would you offer to others pursuing a creative business:

The advice I received from my professors: “Nobody will invest in you, unless you invest in yourself.” So set up your studio, give yourself the time and have confidence in yourself.

Also, it takes balance - and that balance is always changing. Especially as a parent and a mother. You have to always adjust that balance, because it never stays the same. Just when you think you have your kids on a nap schedule, it all changes. This is the same with work. This is also part of the challenge and joy of problem solving.”

Share a moment of surprise in your work:

I remember a story from one of my teachers, a potter. As she was working, she was talking to herself saying, “Oh, I’m in trouble, I’m in trouble!”. I think about that sometimes when I’m in my studio. Sometimes getting yourself in trouble can help you find the best solutions. It’s a great place to be. 

As an artist, if you want to grow, sometimes you have to get yourself into trouble. You have to put yourself out there. And you have to make mistakes. That’s one of the best things about being an artist. 💛

Spring Showers & Show Houses

I don't know about you, but I am ready for the sun to return. I've lost count how many days in a row it's been grey and rainy. It made me want to re-visit this textile design I began work on earlier this year. I think I am going to call it April Showers (or Rain, Rain, Go Away!).

Despite the weather, it was a busy weekend with the pop up Studio Sale at friend and potter Stacy Snyder's home studio. Stacy's spring works included new glazes in beautiful yellows, celery greens and more. I can't wait to share more with you about her work in a future post.

With the cold came a number of organic throw blanket sales ... I love it how the weather impacts what sells at shows. Whenever it is cold out, the throws sell! Makes me want to read more about the psychology of shopping. One of my favorites to go was one in our new Winter Fern design, added this past winter (which reminds me, I still need to add it to my website!).

Last, the expression "when it rains, it pours" is so true. Stacy and I had set our Spring Studio Sale dates months ago. Then last week I heard from friend and interior designer Regan Billingsley: the DC Design House site for this fall had been selected and would I like to tour it with her. The tour dates? You guessed it: the day of the Studio Sale opening. I had to do both! So after setting up early Friday morning, I headed to NW DC to meet Regan and see the house before heading back to the pop up.

What is the 2016 DC Design House site like? In a word: BIG. Home to former French Ambassador and located at 2509 Foxhall Road, NW, this house's middle name is Grand. (You can view a virtual tour of it here). The residence includes over twenty(!) spaces available to designers to transform. Here's a view off the kitchen - the "informal" rear staircase:

My favorite spaces in the home include these little alcoves. (I kept thinking, how sweet would these be with bench seats and pillows in Mira Jean fabrics and roman shades?!)

Here are two examples, for inspiration:

(image from here)

(image from here)

This room got me thinking: imagine if each of these 'panels' was filled with a Mira Jean print?

It would be like multiple large canvases, throughout the room. Talk about a dose of color and pattern!

(image from here)

(image from here)

(image from here)

Designers have until May 16 to submit proposals; winners are selected by the end of the month. I can't wait to see how this property is transformed, come the fall. The best part? The event always raises thousands of $$s for Children's Hospital.

Cheers,
Kate

What's Up? Pop Ups!

It's been hopping around here as usual. With the arrival (finally!) of spring typically comes spring pop ups, and this year has been no exception.

Last Saturday we were back at the wonderful Red Barn Mercantile with our pillow collection. I always love being in this store, whether it's for a Mira Jean Designs event - or just to shop. :-) (Confession: favorite purchases are cards from their amazing and funny card collection ... so hard to choose! And Syndey Hale candles).



While there, we tested out some new textile designs including our Navy Waves lumbar pillow. I'm pleased to share, it quickly found a new home. (Wouldn't this be the perfect pillow on your couch or sun porch, come Fourth of July? Email me and I can make you one, too!)



Post Red Barn, the pop up prep continues. This weekend I will be back at my friend and the very talented potter Stacy Snyder's home for a joint home studio sale. Below is a glimpse of Stacy's work. I have admired Stacy's work for some time. We met years ago through our kids' preschool, and I love that we are now collaborating on a spring show together.

All are welcome at the Studio Sale! Hours are: Friday wine & cheese opening 5-7pm / Saturday 10a-5p / Sunday 11a-3pm. Address is: 508 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201. 

Meanwhile if you read my last blog post you know I've been inspired by my wedding florist Holly Chapple to paint some new floral textile designs. While I'm not in *LOVE* with any of them yet, the painting continues. I hope to have some new floral designs to share with you, soon.



Until then, enjoy this glorious weather - and if you're in / near Arlington, VA this weekend, mark your calendar to pop by our spring studio sale! Hope to see you there.

xo,
Kate