I met Keely and the fabulous chocolate Lab Ferguson at the same scenic outlook where I met Gordon. Keely is the nicest person, and it was delightful for me to hear how her family is thriving since they moved to this area, from the city. I remarked how Ferguson must like it out here, and Keely said that good dog owners can make their pets super happy in the city . . . but, yes, Ferguson does love the country. We talked about real estate, commutes, and charming cities like Frederick and Shepherdstown. And I petted Ferguson!
I picked out a beautiful little vase at the Potters' Guild. It just so happened that it was made by the potter staffing the shop that day. I had so much fun chatting with awesome artist Abigail! I had actually bought a small bowl by her a couple of months ago, and today I bought the vase plus another bowl. Abigail described to me the wonderful physicality of making ceramics, and all the technical knowledge you need to have. She likes to achieve in her pieces a kind of accidental lopsidedness that is nevertheless "right" and beautiful. And that's not easy, Abigail explained, because keeping a pot symmetrical and balanced while shaping it on the wheel is what keeps the pot upright on the wheel! We also talked about the freedom of being able to do art full-time, and how sometimes life interrupts and the artist has to get a day job. Check out Abigail's wonderful work at www.snailinkstudio.com/
Lily and Nicole told me so much about the fabulous Frederick, Maryland, art scene--it's really inspiring, all that's going on! They work in this lovingly restored old church building, the home of the Frederick Arts Council. It's a community space for the arts, beautifully designed and curated. Many very cool works by local artists are on display. And it's free! FAC opened at this location only a month before the pandemic began. I have to say, it felt uplifting to be in a place where creativity is celebrated and fostered.
