Marion Pollmann-One Amazing Ceramic Artist!

I met Marion several years ago...a "friend of a friend" and I adore her! We have never really had the opportunity to spend much time together, rather enjoying little bits here and there-Let's face it, I live in Australia and Marion lives in my hometown of Olympia, Washington. I thought a peek into this wonderful ceramic artists life and work was worthy of a blog posting...enjoy!

www.marionpollmannceramics.com

http://marionpollmannceramics.blogspot.com/

I can easily see our Kingfishers and Honeyeaters (beautiful Aussie Birds) enjoying the above birdbath...


I LOVE this fish....hmmmmmmmmmmmm...how do I get this to Australia?

Above, Marion working her magic.....


The fireplace before...What Vision!!!



The process..........
Stunning, unique and such a wonderful addition to a home!





Marion's Studio....Divine!

1.Tell me about your ceramic work.

My ceramic work is vibrant and colorful and begs to be touched.

I have a very large variety of pieces: tiles, vases, large vessels for outdoor, small and large wall hangings for interior and exterior.

2.How did you get started and how long have you been working as a potter?

13 years ago I took a simple mosaic class and decided I wanted to make my own pieces. Soon I found myself in my first pottery class and was hooked ever since.

3.Describe your workspace/studio.

My studio is located on my 5 ace property 7 miles outside of Olympia, WA.....close to Boston Harbor.

4.What are you most proud of as a potter?
I am most proud that I am mainly self taught and learned from experience.

5.How often do you work?
I work at least 5 days per week in my studio.....sometimes 6 - 7 days per week.

6.How do you sell/market your work?
I sell most of my work at shows and open studio sales. I am in the process of starting Internet sales.

7.What are you currently working on?

Currently I am working on a large wall hanging consisting of many tiles and mosaic pieces. The theme is "Nature in Olympia". I am hoping to sell the piece to the new Olympia City Hall.

8.What is your favorite: Color, food, smell, taste and sound?

My favorite color is chocolate brown.

My favorite food is Thai Food.

My favorite smell is rose.

My favorite taste is fresh berries.

My favorite sound is the rolling waves of the ocean.

9.What other interests and hobbies do you have?

My interest is growing organic food. I love to garden, cook and travel.

10.What is one thing your friends don't know about you? (this can be a fun one!!!)
The one thing that no one knows about me is that I am terrible afraid of public speaking.

11.How would you like to be most remembered?
I would like to be remembered as a person that loved her live and lived it to the fullest.

Fun...Carnival Collection!

Women's Expo. on the Sunshine Coast....

Saturday 11 September 9am - 5pm
Lake Kawana Community Centre Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina

FREE ADMISSION
OVER 20 WORKSHOPS
OVER 120 EXHIBITORS
Over $25,000 in prizes
FREE Pamper room

Evening with
International Motivational Speaker
Lisa McInnes-Smith
from 7pm

For more information about the
Sunshine Coast Annual Women's Lifestyle Expo
contact Sue Frost coastexpo@ymail.com or 0427 375 727 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0427 375 727 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Mark your Calendar!

Jasper....my lil' boy's growing up!

I have a "new " love in my life and his name is Jasper...black and white pooch in these shots. We bought Jasper at just 7 weeks old and he is now a healthy, romping little man at 5 months. The above photo's were taken yesterday when we had a "play date' with Millie, who is just 7 months herself. These two pups LOVE each other and had such fun....so did I!

By the way....Jasper is a black and white stone in the Quartz family...(although it can be found in a wide variety of colours).


"Found worldwide, a wide variety of named jaspers is found in the western areas of the Unites States; California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Washington." Photo above is a sample of the many sorts and colours Jasper stone available...note the black and white one....hence my pups name!

Photo below: renee blackwell design pendant of black onyx on top and black jasper on the bottom...lovely!




To learn more about border collies, one of the most loved, smart and energetic breeds known, go here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Border_Collie

Here's some cool stuff' about this wonderful breed:

History

The Border Collie originated in the Border Counties of Scotland around 350 years ago. They were developed by local farmers to work their livestock. Renowned for their low and quiet approach to the herd and their gentle attitude, the dogs are relentless workers who thrive on the mental and physical challenge herding presents. When Australia began its sheep farming industry Border Collies were imported to work the herds. The breed, one of the earliest ever brought to Australia, has been known here since the mid 1800s.

Today the shorter coated 'varieties' of Border Collies are bred and used strictly for working purposes. Some of these dogs are registered with Working Sheepdog clubs for trial competition, some are not registered but are bred purely for work. Any dog that is bought from a Australian Kennel Club registered breeder will not a true 'working' Border Collie. These show derivations of the original working dogs can be trained to work stock, but they are unlikely to be as good as dogs from working strains.

Appearance

Whilst displaying gracefulness and perfect balance the Border Collie should be sturdy enough to endure the long periods of activity it has been bred to undertake.

Coat colour and length: They come in black and white, blue and white, brown and white, red and white, blue merle and white. and tri-colour. The most common is the black and white. The coat is the most prominent feature consisting of a double coat, with a moderately long, dense, medium textured topcoat. The undercoat is short, soft and dense for good weather-resistance. The length and composition of the coat makes the present day pedigree Border Collie unsuitable for work.

Height: dogs 48-53cm (19-21in); bitches 46-51cm (18-20in).

Temperament

Border Collies thrive on work and love to be highly stimulated and worked for long periods of time. Border Collies are regarded as one of the most intelligent dogs due to their affinity for training and their eagerness to learn, but it is this very characteristic that in turn can be detrimental if the dog is not placed in the right environment. They are high maintenance dogs needing a lot of attention and time and from owners. If you are not prepared to bring the dog into your life as part of the family then you will have trouble. They must be exercised quite extensively every day and included in family activities as often as possible. A dog that is walked for an hour a day and left outside to its own devices will still be difficult. Bored Border Collies will always hunt for something to do or something to stimulate them. With people they should be friendly and affectionate.

bamboo....i love everything about this wonderful plant!

The above photo's are shots of bamboo growing on our property....so lovely and such a variety of colours....cool greens, dusty golds and glowing lime.

More about this amazing plant:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo

I recently met a women who designs and manufactures a beautiful and high quality collection of childrens clothing called: "Nanny Pickle".
The fabric they use is a combination of organic cotton grown free of pesticides and fertilisers and bamboo which is both 100% biodegradable and naturally regenerative. You read it right! A beautiful, soft fabric blend made with bamboo.
BTW...it's fun to peek at this inventive and creative website featuring "Nanny Pickle" herself.... http://www.nannypickle.com.au/



A few photos of the baby/childrens clothing available by Nanny Pickle...




Here's a bit more info. about bamboo fabric...
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-bamboo-fabric.htm

Another Link called Green Earth News http://blog.greenearthbamboo.com/

And last but not least, PLEASE check this one out! http://blog.greenearthbamboo.com/20100521/bamboo-sustainability/eco-friendly-housing-weaving-a-nest-of-our-own/

Fleur de lys...O-So-French!

It’s been almost a year since I went to Paris, France and I’m feeling that ole’ itch!

Not sure if I can actually fit in a visit again before the New Year, but it’s a thought.

In the meantime, here’s a new pair of earrings “hot off the press” so to speak…featuring Antique Brass “fleur de lays” which I have set in sterling silver. The brass fleur de lay part, I bought at an antique street festival in Paris and perfect for those who love a “mixed metal gold and silver look”.

Earrings $110.00

e-mail me directly if interested at: hazelwildretreat@yahoo.com.au

Sold...thanks!

For those who wanna know more'...go to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleur-de-lis

or...

http://www.fleurdelis.com/

BTW-I know my blog is STILL super-sized......just might stay this way awhile! Nothing I seem to do can take me back to the ole' format!

Colour Blast Tuesday.....Purple!

FYI...

Nature of Purple:

Purple has a special, almost sacred place in nature: lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet flowers are often delicate and considered precious. Because purple is derived from the mixing of a strong warm and strong cool color it has both warm and cool properties. A purple room can boost a child's imagination or an artist's creativity. Too much purple, like blue, could result in moodiness.

Culture of Purple:

The color of mourning for widows in Thailand, purple was the favorite color of Egypt's Cleopatra. It has been traditionally associated with royalty in many cultures. Purple robes were worn by royalty and people of authority or high rank. The Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration given to soldiers wounded in battle.

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