A Delightful Lark

One's influences as an artist and a creative person can be varied and mercurial, can't they? Poetry, literature, art, people, places and, of course, the abundant wonders of nature. I'm often asked about my sources of inspiration so I thought I'd share one with you today, if that's alright?

Scarcely a day, and certainly not a week, goes by that I don't turn to my collection of old Victoria magazines for a little escape, an armload of inspiration and a bouquet of happy memories. My always-thoughtful Mother gave me a gift subscription to it every year it was in existence, and though we were far apart, we had many enthusiastic phone conversations discussing our favorite articles in the latest issue. The work of photographers Toshi Otsuki, John Glover and Wendi Schneider continue to influence me and I'm sure many of you have your own special experiences with this singular publication. (And we also very much enjoy the newer incarnation.)

A few months ago, I was perusing the February 1996 issue and my eye fell upon an article showing the work of pottery artist Lark Roderigues. I had always remembered this photograph of these beautiful pottery hearts:

And I clearly recalled a another lengthy feature that was done on Lark's nature-inspired pieces. What most impressed me at the time were her gorgeous glazes of such shimmer and depth. I located the feature in the May 1997 issue. Isn't it amazing how I can so distinctly remember reading it when first published and marveling over the photos and thinking that Lark must have such an ideal existence – studying and capturing nature in her exquisite pottery creations?

We are so lucky to have the tremendous communication facilities that we do, aren't we? I decided to see if I could find Lark, and, with a quick Google search, I did!

I wrote to her via her website and, what a thrill, got a lovely email back! She is still making her heavenly pottery in her idyllic home and garden in Rhode Island. And she has an Etsy shop!

Well, imagine what a treat it was, after all these years, to acquire two of her charming botanic hearts, one with a pansy and one with forget me nots!
Such attention to detail and her obvious love and celebration of nature make her work so outstanding and memorable.

Here are some of the other treasures in Lark's shop (and she tells me she will be adding more at the end of the month):

Lark is also featured in the current issue of Romantic Country magazine, so you can learn more about her there, too.

I'm so happy to be able to share her work here – I hope you have enjoyed it and enjoy visiting her as well. (I have a very full list of other fabulous artists I'd love to introduce you to, and soon, I plan to be able to devote more time to that.)

And for you lovers of Victoria, did you know that Editor Nancy Lindemeyer now has a wonderful blog? Another joyful connection made possible by our current technology. I've been following it for a few months and Nancy often includes lovely anecdotes from her days at the helm of Victoria.

What most influences your creative endeavors? And do you have special memories of Victoria? I'd love to hear about them.

♥Hearts and Hugs and many thanks for stopping by! ♥

xo

– g