Jenny Mendes

The piece on the right is the maybe the 2nd thing I ever made out of clay, in 7th grade.  The first was a bear, but I couldn't find it.  On the left is something I made in college, trying to remember that first piece..... I just realized my love of stripes started way back in grade 7.  (legs).  I think everyone including myself is surprised I've lasted this long in ceramics.  Maybe it's time to make that piece again 40 years later....

Watch this!   Way to go Rick Owens!

Guess what year this was taken??? and the I'll tell you the rest of the story!

Home again with the animals!  

On the drive to and from Kansas City, we listened to this book.  Not quite finished, as it's 20 or 23 discs, which is quite long, even when you are stuck in a car for 28 hours... I think we are into it for 17 discs so far.   The story is captivating, and incredibly interesting.  I couldn't wait for the book to unfold.  I almost feel like listening to it again, to take notes... it's had that kind of impact and there are things I really want to remember, and need to write down.

September 16, 2013

There is a nice article about my work by Barbara Haugen in this month's American Craft Magazine.  I am still waiting for my copy to arrive, but saw a sneak peak here on online!

Just put these in the kiln.... And pulled this out of the oven.....My Burek was a hit!  Getting ready for the Plaza Art Fair in Kansas City this coming weekend!!!

Two of my favorite vases, during this glorious zinnia  time.  Michael Simon above,  Ruggles and Rankin below..... I love growing flowers and having the perfect place to  gather them together.

I'm going to make this tonight for the breaking of the fast.  My brother has an exchange student from Kosovo  this year and he isn't quite adjusted to our food here.  I ate this, not exactly this but something like it when I was in Macedonia, and loved it,  so I thought I'd try and see if I could make it!  We'll see if he even tastes it :)  hope so! here is a recipe for it!! 

Listened to this while driving to Saint Louis.  Ondaatje is currently my favorite author, his books are astonishing!!!  Set in Sri Lanka, where I will be this November for a few weeks...  Time for a classic!  Loved this book!!!!  I had no idea what it was about, and was quite surprised.   Just finished the English Patient, and now I feel as though I should watch the movie again which I saw a long time ago.... Was a little bit difficult to listen to, to follow while working.  Maybe better to read.  But still entrancing.

Discovered on the street in Saint Louis!!

How great is this??????

I know this is so true, even when I don't want to hear what she is saying to me and I need to just remember.....

For the last 13 years Japanese photographer Miyoko Ihara has been taking pictures of her grandma, Misao, to commemorate her life. 9 years ago, 88-year-old Misao found a stray odd-eyed cat in her shed: she called it Fukumaru, hoping that  “the god of fuku (good fortune) would come and everything will be smoothed over like maru (circle ).” Miyoko has been photographing their beautiful friendship and the way they go about their daily routine ever since. The strong bond between the two glows in every shot:  “Partly because they are both hard of hearing, my grandmother and Fukumaru are always looking into each other’s eyes. They’re really close,”  says Miyoko, who has recently published a hard cover photo album “ Misao the Big Mama and Fukumaru the Cat “ .  

Taking these guys to the Saint Louis Art Fair  September 6-7-8-  http://www.culturalfestivals.com/ Hope to see you there!!!!!