For years confetti dots were a pattern I festooned my dishes with. As polka dots grew in popularity, I stopped doing them as much. I think I felt like I wanted to ‘own’ dots? How crazy is that? I sort of like to think I reinvigorated the passion we inherently have for dots. Ah, the vanity! Damien Hirst’s use of dots in particular got to me because his were fetching such extravagent prices! My somewhat modest efforts at dots by comparison recessed into the back of my memory into an archive of early designs.

However, porcelain is a very durable product and people who have purchased my dishes over the years tend to continue to use them. A couple of weeks ago one such couple called me, 5 years since the last time I heard from them. They have a set of my confetti dot dishes and use them to this day. They have purchased a second home in California to be closer to new grandchildren and guess what? They want another set of confetti dot dishes! I was so impressed that I got back into dots.

So, this spring and summer we will feature confetti dots and lots of spring colors. Gardening has also started to become a more central component of my practice. The flowers that bloom during this season inspire my choice of colors and the fresh produce available seasonally locally also inspire cooking and entertaining, bringing friends together over a calm repast. What could be better?

Summer is finally starting to emerge following a false start back in March leading into a long cold spring. Today, after a week of cold and rainy weather, warmth and sunshine are beginning to assert themselves in our neck of the woods. I was finally able to get into the garden last week to begin planting a few things and look forward to doing more planting this weekend. In the meantime, these colorful dishes came out of the kiln for a client and are being packed up to find their way into a New York apartment. They remind me of so many blossoms right now – daffodil, azalea, bluebell, hydrangea and lilac. Bringing a little color from the garden into the studio, through the firing process and onto the table in the form of dishes is a kind of magical thing. Flowers’ blooms are seasonal and ephemeral. I love making more permanent their fleeting tones. Eating is always a party on colorful dishes.

Spring Collection for Great Finds

Maggie Calhoun of Great Finds in Valatie, New York is a terrific friend and colleague. She stopped by today to pick up some new work for the store — cups, bowls, platters and vases in bright colors — perfect for spring and Mother’s Day! I love her visits. Today she came with a gift — a four pack of pansies — ready to sink into the dirt after the last frost! Looks like we’re getting one tonight, so all those plants I have been collecting are coming indoors! (that tip courtesy of Chris Cashen of Miller’s Crossing)