Happy Fall!

With a new season comes a time for re-evaluation, rejuvenation and feeding of the soul. So many wonderful signs of new beginnings and good energy have settled upon the nest. Upon our "tree of life" made by Melissa Castillo was perched the most amazing insect, a beautiful dragon fly. The timing of his appearance was perfect, when and how he got in is unknown, but his visit was soooo welcomed!

Reception for Clay Artist

RECEPTION
FEATURING LOCAL CLAY ARTISTS
Friday, September 17th

6-8:30pm

LoRi KooP

"I continue to explore, to experiment and to observe every day. We live honestly and unafraid.
This beautiful, imperfectly perfect life we share with you. Ceramics to
awaken, encourage and inspire your bliss."

lorikoop.com

Cynthia Gonzales of CG Ceramics

"I have been seduced by the sensualtiy and spontaneity of working with clay. I am inspired by art, different cultures, architecture, nature and fashion."



Soozee Van Dyke Woods and Tracy Chamberlin of Ramona Paloma
"Hand-making ceramic tile combines so many of my interests--the possibilities seem infinite, as I constantly find inspiration in the color and activity of the world around me."
Soozee Van Dyke Woods
www.ramonapalomatile.wordpress.com

"After decades of exploring all sorts of media in art using skills gained through formal training and trial and error I now find myself captivated by ceramics. In particular, hand pressed tile."
Tracy Chamberlin
www.ramonapalomatile.wordpress.com


..........go to our page About the Artist for complete interviews, and bios........

Getting to Know the Artist

ARtiSt Interview with LoRi KooP...

Tell me a little bit about yourself? Hmmmm. I'm 48, live in Sierra Madre, love creating and living fully. I spend a LOT of time in the intangible and imaginative space of my mind. It's definitely "home".

What do you make and what is the process? I am a fine artist using clay/ceramics to explore living and myself.

What inspires you to create? The endless possibilities... the "what if?s" and the happy accidents.

How do you see your craft evolving over the next year or two? Ceramics has been very much the same for centuries. That's the beauty of the medium. To push it tho, I and a handful of peers manipulate the surface by pressing into it with various interesting, texture making objects. (hint: everything pressed into clay leaves a mark. discovery is the next best thing...no, the BEST thing!)

What is your favorite aspect of being an artist? I love the play. The opportunity to be a curious kid and the process of questioning, searching and uncovering the conversation. Could be the shape. Could be the little pattern that formed "right there". It's random, and it's beautiful! Yes, like a little surprise, a present, in each experience. It's also a spiritual lifeline.

What do you enjoy doing when your not creating? I LOVE learning. So, if I'm not with clay, I search the internet, take classes, visit with friends. People fascinate me.

Are there any tips you would like to share for someone who wants to turn their "hobby" into a business? DO IT! If you have the urge, follow it. And whether "it works" or it doesn't, you have succeeded in giving it life. And it will always lead to the next step. Frankly I'm learning it's about the path, the journey of standing up to the fear. And becoming your whole, authentic self.

Any tips or suggestions on marketing yourself? Be yourself. Put yourself before the people who love your work. Teach them something they can apply to their life...a lesson learned, a process discovered, a trip taken. Everyone loves a good story and tell it in your voice. It's possible to have terrific and lose internet friends and buyers.

Anything you would like to share of interest? My latest lesson...when you think "oh, that's the way it's always been", and you desperately want it to be different. It CAN be. You just may need to get help to accomplish it. Hire a professional or enlist a friend. There is a never ending supply of hope.

Also, I want to invite you to subscribe to UPWoRD. It's a weekly writing I do that explores a word each week, designed to inspire the artist / dreamer within. Go to: ww.moveUPWoRD.com

www.LoRiKooP.com

Fun at the Flea Market!

Last week we had the chance to check out the new flea market at Dodger Stadium. The kids came along hoping to find their own treasures...
It was such a cool feeling driving into the enormous parking lot of Dodger Stadium without the intention of going to a game.
Freely driving around, we found the tents!
Parking was free, $7 to get in, our kids passed without paying so all was good!
For some reason hunger sets in when you arrive at a flea market or amusement park...so after a couple aisles, we looked for food.
A great selection of food trucks...they are so popular now! These trucks are gourmet restaurants on wheels...nothing like the old roach coach...the view from up top was spectacular.

We had a great time:) It was not very crowded, vendor selection was somewhat slim and the vintage section was only a couple of aisles wide...but overall, we found some cool stuff, ate good food and really enjoyed ourselves.
Hopefully the flea market will catch on...we will continue to support!

We love mixing old with new!!!