Ceramics Exploration

During my internship at Hallmark I had a chance to explore my creative voice in the Ceramics Studio! You may remember I traveled to Spain last March, and I decided to create ceramics pieces inspired by the many beautiful doors I photographed. 

These are just a few of the many beautiful doors I saw as we traveled from city to city. I loved the geometric shapes and the details. When it came time to start creating I decided I wanted to simplify the forms I was seeing to bring out my favorite pieces. 

I grew up taking clay classes in the summer, but I am by no means experienced when it comes to ceramics. I documented the entire process to help me remember the steps I took and to see how the pieces evolved. There is a certain element of uncertainty in ceramics which is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. The plate I was sure would be my least-favorite ended up being the one I have displayed at home. I was thankful to have this time during my internship to make and explore a less familiar medium. To take a look at other work I created during my summer internship head on over to my portfolio. 

2014 Reflection

I have to admit this post was harder to put together than I expected, 2014 was BUSY! I think the main reason this year is so hard to reflect upon is because I went through so many major changes within such a short period of time. I graduated from college, got engaged, adopted a kitten, and started my career. I was lucky enough to travel to Colorado, Spain, and San Francisco. These are all events which could merit a full paragraph so I will keep things simple. Looking back at 2014 helped me to realize just how lucky I am to be surrounded by such wonderful friends and family. These few pictures barely begin to summarize everything that happened in 2014, but they are some of my favorites. 

I can't wait to see what 2015 will bring!

San Francisco Sights

Wow has it been a busy summer! While I haven't had as much time to devote to the blog as I would have liked to, I am happy to dive back in. A few weeks ago I had the chance to visit one of my best friends, Claire, in San Francisco. While she worked I spent my time wandering and sight seeing. A few of my favorite stops included visiting Muir Woods, shopping in the Mission District, purchasing a few books at Chronicle Books, and the many wonderful restaurants I had the chance to try. One of my favorites being breakfast at The Mill. Below are a few pictures I took during the trip, but there were many more wonderful ones as well! 

San-Fran.jpg

On another note, during my trip I officially accepted a full-time position at Hallmark as a Lettering Artist! I could not be more excited that I will get to continue pursuing lettering surrounded by so many talented artists and designers. Between my internship, wedding planning, and traveling the entire summer seemed to fly by, but I am can't wait to see what this fall will bring!

Madrid

I can't believe it, but today was my last day in Spain! Madrid did not disappoint. We started our morning by walking to the Plaza Mayor. After arriving we were given free time to explore, shop and eat. There were street performers, one of which especially caught my attention (see below). Our final part of the tour was visiting the Palacio Real, a huge palace begun in 1738 on the site of the Madrid Alcazar which burned to the ground in 1734. We walked through a few of 2000 rooms, which were quite elaborate. The evening concluded with another concert at the church of San Millan y San Cayetano located in the San La Latina neighborhood of Madrid. It was a moving concert which took place after the Mass during which the choir sang as well. Our trip concluded with a late group dinner and an erie walk home because of the protest that was occurring that day throughout the city. It has been a wonderful week and I could not have asked for a more meaningful spring break trip! 

El Escorial & Segovia

After a restful night's sleep in Madrid, this morning we headed towards Segovia. Along the way we stopped at El Escorial, a massive monastery-palace commissioned by Philip II. We had a guided tour of the Royal Apartments and saw the Pantheon of the Kings where the mortal remains of all the Spanish monarchs from the time of Emperor Charles V are laid to rest. There were beautiful gardens surrounding the palace and I would have loved to explore them if time had allowed. We then got back on the bus and headed to Segovia. Immediately upon arrival we could see an impressive Roman Aqueduct which was built nearly 2,000 years ago. It was truly impressive. We then had time to wander through the city and eat a leisurely lunch. After spending some time shopping, the choir again sang in front of the aqueduct. I can't believe that tomorrow day of the trip! 

On to Madrid

Most of today was taken up by the long drive from Cordoba to Madrid. I can't believe we have already arrived in the last city we will be staying in before heading home! I was adventurous at lunch and tried the Bocadillo de Calamares, a squid sandwich our guides raved about. A lover of sea food, I thought it was delicious! After lunch we headed to the Prado museum. Having taken many art history classes as part of my design degree I loved seeing this collection of European art from the 12th to 19th centuries. We saw pieces by Spanish masters including Velazquez, Goya and El Greco. I thought it was wonderful to be able to see in person a few pieces I have learned about in school. After this visit we headed to our hotel which was located right in the center of Madrid. This modern city is bustling with life, and we walked past many shops on our way to dinner. I am excited that we will have more time to explore Madrid over the next two days!