Andy at work

A couple of years ago, artist Andrew Jackson Pollack’s life was turned upside down by an act of God that goes by the moniker of “Katrina.” Pollack, not being one to forget his role in pleasing that old hag “lady luck,” evacuated the city when the word went out to do so. He didn’t delay and therefore his evacuation story is uneventful. “I was working in a leaky shed before the hurricane, and afterwards it was a whole lot leakier.”

Pollack’s evacuation may have been uneventful, but his return to New Orleans, however is absolutely triumphant.

“It took us eight months to return,” says Pollack. Meanwhile the gifted glass blower found teaching jobs in various places, most notably at the Chastain Arts Center in Atlanta. He also spent some time in Scottsdale, Ariz. Pollack had come to New Orleans almost a decade earlier as a student at Loyola, who had planned his preview of the school during the legendary New Orleans Jazz Festival. He stayed on after graduation to spread his wings as a promising glass blower. There was never any doubt he would return after Katrina. “We were looking for a house when Katrina hit.” His mission was delayed a little, but he just recently purchased a home where he has set up a new studio. “It’s in the Warehouse District,” he says. “You would think they would be encouraging people to come back in, but actually it was quite difficult to do buy a house and get insurance, even though it didn’t flood where we bought.

“Instead of a Tale of Two Cities, its more like a Tale of a Few Cities,” Pollack says of returning. “There are a lot of different areas, some areas have been repopulated, and if you didn’t know anything happened [you wouldn’t suspect it], but you go into certain areas and it is very depressing and sad.”

The first few weeks of his odyssey were the most trying. “We just got on the internet and looked up landmarks in our area like the Children’s hospital, which we found out didn’t flood.” Pollack and his girlfriend, Tiffany Kahrs, drew a sigh of relief concerning the possibility of looters raiding their home when they found out the National Guard were virtually camped across the street. One of their neighbors who did lose their home, did actually occupy his house, and the generous Pollack was somewhat displaced by this fact more than anything. Again, leaving nothing to chance, he continued to ply his trade, teach and then he heard about CERF, which stands for Craft Emergency Relief Fund.

“They were great!” says Pollack. “Cornielia Carrie, executive director of the organization came down here several times after Katrina. CERF gave me a loan and a grant, and helped me to get into the Rosen Show. The Rosen show is the largest wholesale craft show in the country. “There were 6,000 top galleries and trade people there,” says Pollack. “Even the Smithsonian attends.” Pollack just got back from Philadelphia, as a matter of fact, where he made lots of contacts. Currently Pollack’s work can be seen and purchased on www.buyoutsidethebox.com where he had a recording breaking run on his hand blown sake sets this past Christmas season.

Pollack feels like he is in a better place than before Katrina hit, turning his life upside down. He owes it in part to CERF who gave him financial aide when he needed it most. But the enterprising artist has left nothing to chance. He has just completed his first lessons in his new studio, and he is marching forward with his life.—Ruth Mitchell

(c) 2006 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

What the heck is a Chahai?

Chahai - Allan Buitekant

According to artist Allan Buitekant who makes them in his studio in Union Mills, North Carolina a Cha Hai probably originated in Taiwan for use during the preparation of Chinese Tea. The Chinese, unlike Westerners, make tea in smaller teapots. The famous “Yixing” teapots are renowned for this purpose although any small teapot will do. The reason for these small teapots is to keep the tea from over brewing. Enough tea is brewed to be consumed immediately. The common large teapot is useful when serving a few people, so that all the tea is poured when serving. If, however, some tea remains for future pouring it gets bitter. The Chinese method allows for numerous infusions depending upon the tea.

"I have had as many as 7 infusions from some teas," says Buitekant. "When the tea reaches the right moment it is poured into the Chahai and then poured into the small teacups used. This is repeated as many times as desired with the tea always tasting delicious. Interestingly, as the continuous brewing occurs the tea changes character allowing for a pleasant, and changing, tasting experience. The Chahai is also used when preparing Green Tea, which requires cooler water. One pours the boiling water into the Chahai and then pours it into the teapot over the leaves, thus cooling the water in the process. --Allan Buitekant

(c) 2006 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Hand Thrown Pottery

Cut Handle Plate-Allan Buitekant

One of my favorite mediums, is pottery. I'm attracted to the earthiness of it I guess. I like the utilitarian vessels as much as the complicated sculptures that some artists produce.

As we build our momentum at www.buyoutsidethebox.com we are working to provide our customers of the world the very best work from the very best artists. One of the more popular search strings we see come up again and again, is hand thrown and hand built pottery. That's one of the reasons we are so very pleased to announce the addition of artist Allan Buitekant.

This extraordinary potter hails from Union Mills, North Carolina where he has resided for the last four years atop Pinnacle Mountain. Buitekant studied at Greenwich House Pottery, Parsons School of Design, Brooklyn Museum Art School and the 92nd St. Y, all in New York. Not only will I add some of his pieces to my personal collection, but I will be gifting them to some of the many lucky brides I am acquainted with.

Check our collection out here. --Ruth Mitchell

(c) 2006 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

You Could Have Had a V8

Handmade Beech Pen - Nick Child

No dummy you could have had art or something beautiful made by hand! Don't get caught behaving like the dummy who selected a soda over a V8 juice who has to slap their forehead because they could have had something tasty and teeming with vitamins. That is how art is. It's tasty and teeming with quality, and yet so many times we don't think of our vast realm of choices.

For instance a pen, is a pen is a pen. Right? No, you don't have to use those cheap things you get for free at the bank that dry up after two uses, leaving you frustrated and without a writing instrument while you are on the telephone trying to write down an important number. You could have had a beautiful hand turned pen by Nick Child of Brawley England instead. This month we are giving away one of Nick's beautiful handmade writing instruments to the pool of people who sign up for our newsletter. So you see, you can have art....Ruth Mitchell

(c) 2006 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Recycle It

Cutting Board with Inlaid Design - Jennifer Adams

Artists are well-known recyclers, what with sculptures and mixed-media paintings being compiled from "found objects," and lest we forget the Masters were notorious for recycling paintings, by painting over a work.

We have a new addition to buyoutsidethebox.com in the form of beautiful inlaid carving boards by Jennifer Adams. She uses the finest woods, including cherry, purple heart, maple and African lacewood. Her beautiful cutting boards and cheese boards feature inlaid designs. The extra neat element of her work is that she uses materials which are left over from flooring projects. So tree huggers everywhere will love these boards.

Next time you find yourself looking for a unique wedding present think of Jennifer's wonderful cutting boards. Your gift will be long remembered for years to come.

You dedicated social network readers will be glad to see we have added a button that makes it easy for you to bookmark our blog on any of your favorite social media sites.
Have a good one!--Ruth Mitchell

(c) 2006 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Pretty Purses

Designer Clutch Purses - Deanna Peterson

I've known Deanna Peterson for quite some time now, and it is really fun to see her expand her artistic horizons with her new line of handmade designer purses. They are so beautiful, I want a couple for myself just to hang in my closet to brighten the decor. But they are way too pretty for that. Very reasonably priced, you will be the one the conversation centers around when you sport one of these beautifully constructed purses, made from some pretty interesting textiles including authentic kimono silks.

Deanna is a member of the North Shore Quilters Guild in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has been quilting for over a decade now, and enjoys pushing her quilting designs to new levels using traditional and non-traditional quilting methodologies. In addition to her artistic quilts, she designs and makes her own line of “quilted clothing.” Be one of the lucky ones to own a Deanna Original today, or you could give one to the mother of your choice and really make a hit.--Ruth Mitchell

(c) 2006 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

REGISTER TO WIN NO FOOLING

The Ides of March has always been a significant day for us personally, not just because that is the day Julius Caesar was murdered and Shakespeare made famous in his play the line, "Beware the Ides of March," but because we have our own reasons. Not only that but the Ides of March is the Eve of April Fool's Day. What better excuse to offer a prize. The prize is a beautifully handcrafted writing instrument by artist Nick Childs of Crawley, England.

Now until the Ides of March (that's March 31) art lovers, you have the chance to win one of Child's heirloom quality writing instruments. Each handcrafted writing instrument has been hand turned on a lathe using the finest piece of Cherry wood. No two pens are exactly alike. Child's writing instruments feature a replaceable ink cartridge and are polished to a high luster. A custom-made hand turned pen is a thing of beauty that is capable of becoming a family heirloom containing a lifetime of memories. All you have to do is sign up for our newsletter on our home page, and you might become a winner. We will announce the winner of the drawing on April Fool's Day right here in our blog.

free-stuff.com

(c) 2006 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Being Grateful for the Many Gifts in our Lives

We can and do make things happen, but the best part of our lives is what we are given, and usually these things aren’t purchased and are often intangible.

It’s Friday, it’s 17 degrees outside, I have a little fire glowing in the hearth. I’ve had my ration of caffeine, the dogs are curled up on the couch and I have some beautiful music on, “Elements of Wonder” by flutist Michael Wackerle. No, you won’t be able to find his music at Hastings, but if you’d like a CD, write me. We will soon offer independent music on our site Buyoutsidethebox.com.

But back to what we are given. Why is it so hard for us to acknowledge what we are given, our many blessings we daily take for granted, going back to our first breath. Did we elect to come here? Some think so, some think we even choose our parents.

We buy bread or even beer, and while it feels like this exchange is based on something we did, we forget that we were allowed to make it to the corner store without being run over by a drugged driver, or someone having an argument with their wife on their cell phone.

Did someone you know call you today just to say hello? Did a stranger smile at you? Are you warm? Once we reach a state of comfort in our lives, we often take for granted the tiny gifts, that if noticed add up to sheer bliss, heaven on earth. We buzz up on crisis, caffeine, drugs or drama, and numb ourselves to the present moment.

Today I want to share a smile with you, just in case no one did smile at you. Look for the love, not the confusion.--Ruth Mitchell

(c) 2006 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

New Art - Ancient Technique

"Village Girl" - Aya Fu

Most people have heard of cave paintings that have lasted thousands of years. For instance Spain’s Altamira Grotto, or the Dunhuang Grottos of China. In the 1990s there arose an interest in recreating this rock painting process as a means of a modern technique based on this most ancient of all art mediums. After all those pictures are still almost as bright and dazzling as they were a thousand years ago.

Artist Aya Fu of Beijing, China is one such artist interested in painting with rock color. Fu grinds the rock into a powder and arranges it by degree of color. Another color is made from ground ceramics and glass. The ground shell of the oyster makes the white color which is the base for the paint with the other colors added to it. Fu also mixes in a kind of glue made from peaches.

But then the artist must have a paper that can support the thick granule material. Starting with two sheets of cotton paper affixed on a panel, Fu brushes a mixed liquid made of peach and alum. Then the paper is processed so it doesn’t absorb water.

The next step is to brush on the white base made up of the oyster shell. Then the color is applied. Each step must dry before Fu can proceed with the next step. “The character of the rock color painting is gorgeous and rich,” says Fu.

(c) 2006 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

banksy

Check out this video on banksy

Banksy, Banksy, Banksy

It's all you hear on the net. And the renegade artist is more about statement than style. He's actually quite a visual philospher. To crudely quote him, "It's foolish to be certain about anything," he's says when pressed by his interviewer.

Whether you agree or disagree with Banksy's unsolicited public art, you have to admire his style. Plenty of people do it seems. Check out this video we found on utube.

I have just discovered a wonderful art news blog. Guess what it is called? artnewsblog.com what else. Check it out.--Ruth Mitchell

(c) 2006 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Grammys Galore

Usually award shows are long. But entertainers are infinitely entertaining whether they are fashionistas or awkward in their own skin, or glamorous despite having to play the role of themselves receiving an award.

I particularly enjoyed the Grammys this year. Maybe its the music, but I think musicians themselves are more inherently interesting and ecclectic than actors and actresses. They are certainly more gregarious dressers as a whole than their acting counterparts. Well, Tony Bennett is still in his own league.

Imogen Heap, was her outfit not stunning? It turns out a fan, LA designers Pinar Eris, contact the British singer through her MySpace website and offered to make the incredible foliage inspired outfit. The outfit featured real lilies pinned on a black gown and Heap wore shubbery in her hair.

The other real trend setter in the crowd was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, free jazz innovator Ornette Coleman. Wearing a stunning Oriental silk suit featuring butterflies, and an adorable undersized, Charlie Chaplin style bolo, we couldn't keep our eyes off the tender-eyed entertainer.

Hurray to the entertainers!

(c) 2006 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

It's About Art Not Headlines

"Identity Past" - Ildikó Kalapács

Hello All... It's not our job to bring you the latest on Anna Nicole Smith's unfortunate death, the bad news about global warning or the tragic news of war. We're about art of course.

We get the opportunity to focus on the creative pursuits of those so inclined to focus their lives on such matters. It's about pushing the envelope. As many of you know who read this blog, one of my absolute favorite icons of "pushing the envelope" is of course Leonardo Da Vinci.

We tend to think of Da Vinci as a master painter, but according to his biographers he was only marginally successful at "bringing home the bacon" with his art. His most prosperous endeavors were financed by war lords hiring him to create a "better weapon." Something we are all to familiar with in the period known as the 20th
Century.

In recent decades many of our contemporary artists have been successful at paying the light bill through their art.

One such talented artist we know of is our own Ildikó Kalapács. She was most recently featured on nonstarvingartists.com, a really well-done art news website.

So if you find yourself troubled by today's headlines, try informing yourself through art,rather than current events spouted out over the newswires. Art feeds and stimulates not only your intellect, but your emotional and spiritual sides as well. It's a great tonic for a troubled world.

(c) 2006 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Snow Day

Mitch's #1 Plowing Up a Storm

We don't get too much snow where I come from, so when a snow day arrives, it becomes a holiday automatically. Steaming hot chocolate with whipped cream on top following a nice walk in the woods with the dogs is a tradition to this holiday at our house. We build a fire, and pretend to work a little, but then you have to stop and make a big batch of chilli, and of course there is the after lunch cat nap, only we take ours curled up on the couch with Chilli Pepper the dog, which is a lot like sleeping with a warm hot water bottle.

My husband is all about garden railroading, so we had to fire up a steam engine and plow a little snow. Thought you might enjoy a snap of this unusual sight.

We've got some exciting new art coming in from Beijing. More on that later.

Happy Ground Hog's Day Eve...Ruth Mitchell

(c) 2006 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved