I’ll Be In The Garden….
As spring unfolds, the red-winged blackbird stands out as a powerful symbol of renewal and hope. Its vivid red and yellow shoulder markings flash among the reeds, and its unique call signals the arrival of a new season. The energy and resilience displayed by this bird inspire us to welcome new beginnings and embrace the possibilities that await.
Throughout the winter, we have focused our efforts indoors, completing our pottery orders. With the arrival of spring, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay inside as the calls of redwing blackbirds and goldfinches fill the air, grass begins to grow, and tulips and daffodils bloom. Each morning, I walk through the garden with a mug of tea, encouraging the tiny shoots of green to persevere.
Lunches are enjoyed on the patio, our faces turned toward the sun whenever the weather allows, usually consisting of sandwiches served on our handmade 8” salad plate and more mugs of tea. After finishing our work, we head outdoors and dinner becomes an afterthought. Often, we both stand with the fridge doors open, searching for inspiration. Regardless of what we prepare, it is served on our beautiful dinner plates—even chicken nuggets become “elevated”.
So.
Here’s to inspiration, wherever you find it. Whether in the studio, the garden or in the kitchen, create something beautiful for yourself.
Creating Moments of Comfort and Connection
It all begins with an idea.
There is a sense of comfort that comes from simple pleasures: sipping a mug of hot tea while relaxing in an easy chair in front of a warm fire, enjoying a mug of cold beer on the couch while you watch a football game, savoring a warm meal that soothes the soul after a long day at work, or a gathering of friends for dinner around your table. These moments are made even more special by the environment you create and the handmade pottery that holds these cherished drinks and meals.
Your thoughtfully chosen handmade Crutchfield Pottery can add a personal touch to your surroundings and foster a sense of well-being, inviting you to pause, exhale, and fully enjoy the present moment.
So, gather your loved ones for a meal around your table, or simply take time for yourself to find a moment of peace in a busy world.
A love story.
It all begins with an idea.
“An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do what he might choose.”
— Langston Hughes
The Story of Barry and Terri: A Journey in Art and Partnership
Barry’s Early Artistic Path
In 1972, Barry was a student at Kennedy High School in Granada Hills, California. He initially enrolled in a business class, but due to overcrowding, he had to select a different course. This unexpected change led him to Ceramics, taught by Mr. Clements. In the ceramics class, Barry discovered his passion and developed the skills and understanding that would become the foundation for a lifelong dedication to pottery. Recognizing his natural talent for throwing, Barry chose to continue his artistic education after graduating in 1973 by enrolling at Pierce College, where he pursued studies in ceramics and design.
Terri’s Artistic Beginnings
Meanwhile, Terri graduated from James Monroe High School in 1972 and began attending Pierce Junior College. Although her heart was set on Fine Arts, she decided to major in Advertising, influenced by her parents’ advice: “You’ll never make a living as an artist.” Terri’s first love was drawing, and she found joy in creating.
They Meet
Both Barry and Terri attended evening ceramics classes. During a break, they started a conversation, which led to a surprising discovery. Barry pointed out his home in Granada Hills from the hill where they stood, and Terri mentioned she had dated someone from that area during high school. They soon realized that Terri’s breakup with her boyfriend had occurred because he was cheating with Barry’s girlfriend, a coincidence that led to many more conversations.
From that initial meeting, Barry and Terri discovered a remarkable number of things they shared. Barry had three sisters, and Terri had three brothers. Both of their middle names were Lynn. These similarities laid the groundwork for a strong connection.
A Partnership Begins
Barry and Terri were married in December 1975. Together, they began to collaborate on their art: Barry would throw the pottery pieces, while Terri would carve designs and add sculpted elements. In 1980, they opened their own studio, working side by side and finding happiness in their shared creative endeavors.
Continuing the Legacy
As time passed, Barry and Terri continued to work together every day, adapting their roles as needed and their work was always evolving. They have now simplified their line of pottery, with Barry focusing on throwing and glazing and Terri making flat pieces and handling shipping. Through their work, they hope to leave behind a legacy of love and pottery.
It’s still not Spring…
It’s Still not spring but we are getting there.
But we’re getting there.
It just started snowing. I will have to get the iced tea off the back porch and close the windows. I always jump the gun. Luckily, I didn’t put the cushions on the lounge chairs or plant my vegetables.
To be honest, this winter was a non-starter. No snow, not really too cold. Living in the middle of fruit orchards we are always aware of the weather, too warm and the trees bud out, then we hope it doesn’t get too cold and freeze the buds. Not cold enough and the bugs survive and thrive. I don’t envy orchardists.
So, tonight it’s pasta. in our generous 5-cup bowls, warm, comforting, and filling. And we want to carb load in honor of the Olympic athletes in Italy. Just in case someone needs us to sub in and do a few downhill runs.
https://www.crutchfieldpottery.com/shop/p/pasta-bowl-handmade-pottery-stoneware-5-cup-bowl
A Bowl of Comfort
It all begins with an idea.
As we grow older, we find ourselves cherishing the simple pleasures of winter more and more. There is nothing quite like lighting the woodstove and settling into our recliners, embracing the warmth and coziness that comes with hibernating indoors. When we pair this comfort with freshly baked cookies or muffins mixed up in our handled mixing bowl, we may not emerge until spring arrives.
During this season, our meals often reflect our desire for comfort and warmth. We frequently serve hearty dishes in our handmade pottery pasta bowls, always accompanied by bread on the side for extra carbs. Occasionally, we switch things up with Salmon Caesar Salads, again with bread on the side, because we can’t have too many carbs….
When we use our dinner plates, the smaller diameter stoneware rice bowls are the perfect size for keeping side salads separate and easily accessible. No matter the meal, we have discovered that both the pasta bowls and rice bowls have become indispensable parts of our dining routine
Stay frosty…and toasty warm.
Barry & Terri