“The potholders make lovely gifts. One of my friends said, “ This is NOT a potholder, it is a work of art!”. Accordingly, she has it in her kitchen, but in a frame.” Renate
I did love reading the message that Renate sent to me. Functional art is how I think of my Potholders. They are ready to work, but I guess there’s all kinds of work. And one kind is the joy that art can bring to us when we look at it.
Lynne also bought one of my potholders a couple of weeks ago. It was replacing one she bought at our first Bedlam Farm Open House.
That had to be about ten years ago. Lynne’s potholder was well used and she was ready to replace it. I did let her know that my prices have gone up since then, but she didn’t have a problem with that. Hopefully her new potholder will last as long.
My Winter Woods Potholders are inspired by my walks in the woods and the colors I see when I look out my studio window. The marsh and woods are alive with golden rust, frosted reds, deep and sage greens, and gentle blues.
My Winter Woods Potholders are $25 each + $5 shipping for one or more. I have 12 in all and you can see the all and buy them in my Etsy Shop, just click here.
“Functional art” is a powerful idea that resonates a lot with me. I often admire tools (that I usually can’t afford) that are made with care, by artisans. One example is the things made by Timothy Dyck, a working blacksmith in Canda (https://www.timothydyck.com). His hammers and axes don’t do anything other than the Home Depot versions, and although they’re forged from 1912 steel from an old train rail is something that matters in the mind of the owner but I’m pretty sure doesn’t make any difference to the nails or logs. I’ve often had difficulty explaining, even to myself, why things like that are appealing, and “functional art” really says it all. As a writer, I love its economy of expression! As I used to tell my writing students: “brevity good!”
Thanks Pete for your good words. Timothy Dyck’s tools are beautifully made. The tools we use to do our work are so important and personal. Having some that are so beautifully and lovingly created makes a difference, I believe, even if we can’t explain it. They bring a kind of joy or pleasure to use.
Good morning.
Such a soothing series.
Enjoy your day
I love my potholder that you made. I use mine all the time, the owl one I bought for my granddaughter Sammy is displayed on the wall of her college dorm room. She says having it there reminds her of our time together on the farm. Your beautiful potholders have many jobs!
Ahh, that is really sweet Josie! Thank you for letting me know that something I made is doing such good work.