.Time.Flies.

I moved into my space one year ago. !!!

Time.
Flies.

I have made some amazing connections in the ceramic, creative, and business community in Chicago since I got the keys to my Ravenswood Corridor studio.

A lot has changed too.

I am working with stoneware more then porcelain. Something I did not foresee...but it is more effecient in a space that fluctuates in temperature are much as mine does.
And..most of all..
I AM PREGNANT.
30 weeks.
A lil'lady named Josephine Parker Ames will be born in September. She will be the ninth Josephine in the Smith (Mortimer's mothers maiden name) family tree. She will be known as Parker..which is an Ames' family name (for instance..Mortimer's middle name).

So, along with finalizing my ceramic line and getting ready to ship out my "look-books"...
I have been busy doing baby research, nanny search, professional studio cleaning service search (and sealed)...endless list...

...SOO MUCH MOM STUFF. 

...I'm SOOO tired today. 

My belly barely fits in the scene! (30 week belly bump)

.Springing into Etsy.!.

www.etsy.com/shop/AshleyLinPottery

.Warren Mackenzie.

“Pots are the communication between the person who makes them and the person who uses them.” Warren Mackenzie

1:11-3:00 is something I need to hear in my head everyday in the studio.

..If I..

If I stay true to what I want to do, then I will be respected by those I respect. 

.Words.of.Wisdom.

.I have a Confession.

I find great inspiration from...
FASHION.
In high school and college my rooms were covered in fanciful photographs from Vogue.
Grace Coddington's genius as a Fashion Editor spoke to me as a young lady stuck in the hills of West Virginia. She allowed me to escape reality with the imagery she created with the help of her creative team.

I have watched the Diana Vreeland documentary "The Eye Has to Travel" almost everyday. 

...Just randomly...

I place my Ipad near while doing laundry, dishes, and domestic diddies.

Simply, I find strong and creative individuals truly energizing.

.Grayson Perry.

Grayson Perry. Grayson Perry. Grayson Perry. Grayson Perry.

Is AMAZING.

I am just...I am just...at a lost of words with my excitement.

WHERE THE FUCK HAVE I BEEN?? WHY DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS MAN YEARS AGO?
Under a rock...?
well...working a production job under I-95...so...yes.

But...Now! 
I have found an individual who links traditional ceramic arts, digital age intelligence, and performance...not so much pieces...but he is theatrical in presence...

I am extremely excited about finding more about this individual.

.

Life happens.
Sometimes it feels like bliss.
Sometimes it feels like hell.
But...
Life happens.
Moments pass.
Be present.
And...
Presents will be present.
(did you see what i did there...ha)

Roussillon, Vaucluse

The ocher cliffs of Roussillon, Vaucluse in the Luberon were breathtaking.
Mortimer and I walked many miles in the town...oohhhing and aaaawwwing at the locally sourced colored homes.

Icheon Master Hand: Lee Hyuang Gu

This is the best video I have ever seen of a potter at work.

.Art Barks.Avignon and Paris.

.A New Year.

2013 rocked my life upside down...shook me...hugged me...kissed me...and placed me down on a wonderful big bed with down pillows...

I've been in a cloud. 

I get to work in the studio everyday.
I have two commissions:
Acchaa
http://www.acchaa.com/#ourstory
Kangaroo Cups
http://www.imagiroo.com/ 
Both series are well on their way and looking mighty fine. I should be done in three or so weeks!

I have a wonderful boutique in Lake Tahoe selling my wares. Thank you, Village Interiors. ! http://villageinteriors.com/

This year Mortimer and I traveled a great deal.
Vancouver, BC
Nova Scotia
Alabama
Bahamas
and
....
France!
Paris, Montpellier, Avignon, and all over the Luberon. 
Two weeks of fantastic food, wine, and site seeing.

I can't wait to see what happens in 2014.
I have a feeling...It's going to be exciting.