I've just returned from a trip to South Carolina to visit my beloved friend (and first husband), Peter Lenzo, and I'm not going to talk about the grand mal seizures that wrack his life and limbs, because it breaks my heart.
photo by Jim Hulin
One of the most talented and fiercely creative people I have ever met, Peter has always had the ability to inspire me silly, and this time was no exception. The gracious home he shares with his two beautiful progeny Joe and Roxanne has every surface lined with art - his own and pieces he's collected from his years as a gallery owner and the ongoing patronage of his contemporaries.
His studio, conveniently located in the back garden, is fully-equipped with every tool imaginable, boxes of clay and jars of glazes, two kilns, art in all stages of production, and drawers and drawers of the extraordinary collection of antique, contemporary, and found ceramic bits he currently uses to make his unique works of art.
photo from Pewabic Pottery
Peter was generous and patient enough to give me a step by step tutorial so I could make a piece of my own (ok, it's really more of a collaboration since he made several crucial design suggestions and did virtually all the tricky attachments for me).
Here's the "finished" (pre-glaze) piece - ready to dry for its bisque fire:
The piece of blue glass you see perched next to the Buddha will melt when the piece is fired and hold him tight in his seat.
This morning as I write I'm sending out prayers like bits of blue glass to whoever will listen - please hold Peter tight and do your best to protect him when next he falls...
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