Say Yes to Beautiful Things!

There is no doubt I have spent a great deal of time finding objects of beauty to surround myself with. These things have the potential to take one's life from the ordinary to the extraordinary and offer respite from the stresses of daily toil and the troubles in the world.

Oh, the power of beautiful things! Most of mine offer something of the human heart and the human hand that remind me of the mysterious and beautiful nature of creativity itself. I find joy in having these beautiful things in my life.

These are objects that tell me where the artist has been and where they hope to go. It is this creative longing that often leads some artists to the threshold of greatness. And then, if they continue their journey, they get to walk through that magic door which connects their work to the wider world of art lovers, art collectors and success.

My favorite gift this year was such a thing. Something so sublime that at a glance you might just walk by it... but to this eye it was the meaning of life in a bowl. A bowl that was so well considered, so perfectly proportioned and so confident in its subtle surface that it told me the story of its maker.

Curves I see, looking like the beginning of a protruding belly button. And look at that luscious Shino glaze that seems to glow; bright as moonlight on a summers night. Oh! There's a peachy blush from the flame. I touch the smooth silky glaze on this undulating form that is begging to be held and admired. It's not just a bowl. It's a life. It takes a lifetime of learning, longing and dedication to make this kind of work. It gives me hope for all of us.

In questioning and internalizing every thought and emotion, this artist has worked very hard to get to this place. Chris Gustin thank you for making this piece. I see an amazing life expressed in a bowl.

Never doubt that the creative journey is the most important trip you'll ever go on. And, may you be as lucky as myself to receive such a wonderful gift to have and hold every day.

-Anne Bailey

December 29, 2016 | View: 983 | Categories: The Bailey Collection | Tags: Mugs, Handmade Pots, Favorite Pots, the Bailey Collection, Penn State University | By: Lyla @ Baileys