It is that time of the year when I like to look back
at what has gone by over the last year
so that I can grip the reins
for a safe ride through the coming year.
I find that taking stock of life's roller coaster
helps me to accept and appreciate my very full life.
January
This time last year we enjoyed a south coast holiday on the beach
and had the pleasure of an evening walk with a double rainbow.
Michael and I don't get a lot of down time together.
So when we do have a holiday it is cherished.
2014 was a year full of highs and lows
as seems to be the case more and more in our lives
as we get older and the family grows…
( our aspirations don't seen to lessen either!)
At the end of January I started a distance education
Grad Cert Ceramics at ANU.
Starting with a Master Class in Glaze development with Greg Daly.
(I will hopfully finish it this year.)
It has been fabulous to be working in a structured way
and learning from such a master.
It was also great to make friends with other lovers of clay.
to see how they worked and what their focus was on.
and returning with treasures from Gundaroo
February
brought a performance for Mara and
lots of studio work for uni for me
Some inspiration from
Cameron Williams at a CSG workshop
My eldest son and family moved to the mountains
which has been wonderful and has made it easy
to spend time with their family.
March
was about abundance.
The garden was producing well
and so was the family,
with the arrival new little grandson Finn!
He has been a joy to watch him growing over the year
I am so lucky to have this gorgeous family!
and making paper from the harvested iris,
and weeds in the garden like
agapanthus and monbretia.
and also making string for basketry
a wonderful 85 birthday
for my sweetheart mother in-law
Margaret Tuckson's exhibition of her art collection
Little did I know that it would be the last time I would see her
I miss her so much but I am so grateful to have had her friendship
and influence in my life.
Here are some pics of her house taken by my brother last year.
The exhibition was a great thing to do but I think her collection
looked best in situ and particularly in her house at
Wahroongah (not shown here).
April
brought another Master Class in throwing at ANU
I brought home a John Parker treasure (below)
He was over from NZ doing a residency at ANU
and it was a great treat to watch him create his
beautifully textured pots.
We had a shared theatrical connection too
which I don't find happens too often,
not many potters are thespians,
we tend to be a quiet lot,
but John works as a set builder and has a
WOW connection too so we had much to chat
about as we threw mud.
I followed the residential up with lots of studio work
and a welcome to her new boyfriend Tim.
Every thing in the garden was lovely
May
brought a one day workshop/demonstration at NAS
with Euan (the potter) Craig
visiting from Japan
and this litle treasure coming home with me.
June
brought more music from Mara
and a Bottles and Jars workshop for me
with Sandy Lockwood
WONDERFUL!
July
Lots of eggs and limes from the garden
and a big batch of lime pickle.
a purchase of some beautiful purpose made tools from
some raku making
August
Nice to share a day of firing with my sis.
A bit of basketry on my raku during the cold months
and my first Open Studio with the Australian Ceramic Association
Open Studio,
Unearth Your Local Potter Event
On the day of my first Open Studio I heard that my teacher,
friend and mentor Margaret Tuckson had died.
The last time I had seen her I told her
that my goal was to be like her and teach from my studio
I was asked on several occations if I would teach on that day.
So I am now teaching here at Lilli Pilli Studio!
Only beginners classes.
Margaret only taught beginners too and then
she would suggest as they became more proficient
and serious that they should do some further training elsewhere.
That is what I will do here.
September
welcomed another new grandson, Adi.
It has been a delight to watch him glow too.
So wonderfully lucky to have such a beautiful family!
How beautiful is this pic by my brother Chris?
He is a brilliant photographer!
A special 34th birthday for my dear Bala
October
brought a visit to Peter Rushforths house and studio
and his old gas kiln came to live with me.
Here are some photos of Peters work and workspace
I wish I had got to know him better over the years
but I was a bit in awe and shy.
Silly me as I know we would have got on very well,
he and Margaret were great buddies.
I also made a mixed media skull for Halloween to raise money
for the "Revitalise Lithgow" fundraiser
November
brought my step son,Gabriel's,
graduation with a Bachelor of Aviation
Congrats Gabe!
Job well done!
Mara turned 17
bought a car
and got her P's
in that order!
and my lovely Gopal, Suse, Lillie and Finn
moved to Nth NSW due to a work transfer
and I am missing them so much already!
A Ruthanne Tudball Workshop at NAS
with the Ceramic Study Group
turned my whole idea of throwing pots upside down!
Utterly fabulous!
more pots
A Blue Mountains bush walk with my brother Mike
and friend Barry Voorwinden
we haven't spent a lot of time together
so it was great to have a couple of days to catch up.
December
Preparation for a Christmas Open Studio
some eco dyeing in my new old copper
Krishna and I collaborated in creating a feast at Christmas
and I made the best panettone to date :)
This year we not only lost Margaret Tuckson,
we also said farewell to Michael's Uncle Ian, 91
and to old family friend,
May Barrie who passed away at 96
and dear friend Caitlin Whiticker/ Wilkinson
who died too young at 18.
I constantly think of you Justine, Michael, Michelle and Miles
wishing you much love always.
It has been, as I said, a year of highs and lows.
I am going to try to focus on all the joys
as I move into the next year.
I will remember the good times
I had with those who have gone
and try to enjoy to the full
my time with those who are still here.
A little courage may be needed to cope with the
political short sightedness of our countries leaders,
the natural disasters, the loss of dear ones,
life struggles
and my ageing body.
All that being so,
there is much to be thankful for and
I try to look at the positives
in an attempt to ward off the negatives.
Keep my life simple and my heart warm.
Happy New Year all
I am sure it will be another eventful year full of highs and lows
try to keep on the happy side of it.
best wishes,
Sadhana
