Planet Kri Kri

Consider it a Classic

2011-08-21T22:42:00.000-07:00

Kri Kri Studio: Celebrating 20 years of production in 2011

Still in use! Sake cup from 1991

pinched by hand with date inscribed

In the beginning I pinched all the sake cups, rice bowls and mugs by hand!

Today, all my originals for the plaster molds are still fashioned in the same way, but slip casting multiples is far more efficient and the results are lighter in weight and more uniform.
Over the years I've acquired tools to facilitate production, yet it is surprising how many steps and how much hands-on work still goes into each individual piece. Once upon a time, there were employees at Kri Kri Studio. Today, it is only me. Fortunately, I have come to enjoy the strategy of producing large orders and, having gained a pretty good understanding of the processes involved, become quite efficient at it. Equally important, the quality of my work has gone up. My designs and products are continually evolving. Creating at Kri Kri Studio remains my passion and I still think it’s still fun.

Here you see my pouring table full of mug molds that have just been filled with slip, and tipped out. They are sitting on the wooden rails of the pouring table. The table is designed to let the slip drain from the molds, through the rails and through a hole in the basin, into the bucket below. That slip can be re-used and recycled.

waiting to become firm

After the slip has stiffened up enough not to tear, I have carefully removed these "skins" from the molds and will later trim them to mug height.


notice the wooden measuring block and palette knife for cutting

While I was waiting, I made the handles which are rolled out from a damp ball of clay. They will need to firm up before they can be attached to the mugs.

Timing is critical each step of the way. Moving too fast will cause things to warp. Wait too long and your pieces will crack or break when you do the final shaping or attaching.

painting 3 coats of under glaze

It will be a few days now until these pieces are dry enough to sand and sponge so that they can be painted with under glazes and then be decorated.
At last, they are ready for the bisque firing which will remove the chemical water and make the item hard. I've painted the black trim on handle and rim as well as decorated the mug with a kri kri creature by trailing black slip with a squeeze bottle.

mug without trim or decoration and decorated, unfired mug

The firing in my electric kiln takes just inder 24 hours. This includes cooling down time.

this green coat will become clear gloss when fired!

The final step to a finished product is the gloss glazing. I dip items like mugs and bowls into a bucket of glaze. For the flatter things, such as plates, I brush 2 to 3 layers of gloss glaze onto each side. The glaze layer should dry overnight before firing the item.

Glaze firings take slightly less time but are similar to bisque firings. They must cool down even more slowly to avoid cracking. Opening a glaze firing is always exciting. One unloads the shelves layer by layer and if all went well there is a new batch of juicy ceramics to behold! Now, how long did that take? I'm not sure either. But one would be hard pressed to make a mug in a week!

image conscious

2011-07-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

take a look behind the door

venture to put on someone else's shoes

and explore!

experiment with a new you

enjoy trying to shape oneself...

a reflection of something imagined!

but it gets complicated

tangled images, ideas, ideals;

meaning and true beauty

are found tucked inside

so, remember to sparkle!

descisions

2011-05-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

How does one go about selecting colors for a new set of dishes?!

Start by choosing the color of the dinner plate. This will be the foundation of your set.

would you like warm?

or cool?

Add spice by changing the color of a bowl or a cup

Your collection of dishes is something you can build on.
Be creative!

Enjoy it!

For tips and advice, contact me at kRI kRI sTudio

blues

2011-05-15T00:59:00.000-07:00

One winter day, crisp and clear

Reflections became the focus of an otherwise routine outing.

Only the slightest breeze tickled the waters surface, effectively altering the ordinary.

Ships' shapes, like bolts of fabric, unrolled.

An Ikkat weave from Java...

Also remembering a painting I saw once in New York.

Thinking how sometimes when I'm in a museum, I'm reminded of paddling.

Canal Du Midi

2010-11-20T14:21:00.000-08:00

This past September, Nigel and Kristin did a kayaking trip across the south of France. Is it possible to kayak across the south of France you may wonder? Mais oui! But of course! Using the Canal du Midi, the Canal Lateral, and the Garronne River and Gironde estuary, they managed over 150 locks and many portages.

Not only that, they did it in the "Doubleshot", the tandem kayak that Nigel designed for Point 65.

It was really a fun way to do the trip, being close, observing and chatting as well as working together to reach their goal of over 600 kilometers. The scenery was rich, as were the fantastic cheeses they were able to sample along the way.

Tent pitched on the canal's bank, they enjoyed some lovely wines, Gigondas, St. Emilion and Chateau Margaux to mention a few.

Carcasonne, with its medieval city and the Cloisters at Moissac were two of the historical highlights that they took time to see.

After the confines of the canals, being on a river was expansive and exhilarating! There is a large tidal bore, or "mascaret" which makes its way far up the Garonne and is surfable at spring tides. At neaps, it is still rushing along at 10 to 12 mph!

Nigel and Kristin got to experience it in the evening from their camp beside the chateux and vineyards at Portets.

On their way again, current assisted, they reached their final destination, Royan at night. By then, the wind was blowing and Altantic swell was smacking the Doubleshot from the side. Once in the harbor, they could hardly see because the rain was pelting down so hard. But as they had come to say to each other over the course of the trip, "Its better to be lucky than smart". And once again, they were lucky. Nigel and Kristin will be doing presentations about their vacation in the south of France in the coming months and in 2011. No dates yet, but Portland Kayak Co. has put in a request.

Robert Tatin

2010-10-10T21:23:00.001-07:00

After paddling across the south of France with Nigel, I thought about where I had been. This visit to The Musee de Robert Tatin, in Cosse le Vivien, France, came as a gift to us the day before we left France.
Maria, Camilla's sister, had seen my work and was so insistent that we should see this unusual place that she stopped everything she was doing and, despite the fact that it was pouring down with rain among other things, offered to take us there.

We could not refuse.

Trusting her enthusiasm, we hopped into the car and sped along narrow roads and through torrents of rain to this personal shrine.

Robert Tatin lived here for the last 21 years of his life. He is buried on the site. Though she moved out of the house so that this special place can be shared by many, a place is waiting for his wife, Lise, to join him when she is ready.

Tatin traveled widely and his imagery reflects this. Figures reminiscent of Incan gods and Indian goddesses populate the meditation garden. The figures all seem happy and content. Harmony reigns. One will see strong influences of great, early 20th century artists like Picasso, Miro and Klee, but the over all effect of the environment is quite original.

The glowering day could not dampen our delight. Heavy skies enhanced an aura of magic here as we wondered through the arcades, literally entering the world of Robert Tatin.

Cement and wire armatures were used to construct the sculptures and buildings on the land around a centuries old stone farm house. With in the labyrinth of the Meditation garden, one will visit numerous chambers and see displayed paintings, prints and ceramics also by Tatin.

A tour of his house was the cherry on the cake.

The space was small, yet so well organized.
White plastered walls with shelving sculpted into them and chunky wooden furnishings lent the place a doll house/caveman like ambiance. Unfortunately no photos allowed inside.

Though it was Sunday and the weather was inclement, the museum was packed. It was so easy to spend time there! One wanted to absorb as much of the positive energy generated by such an out pouring of creativity as possible.

Thank you Maria,

xxoo

Swallows

2010-05-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

Swallows swift, swallowing

bugs, pond's offering.

A meal on the fly!

Cherry blossoms

2010-04-30T08:44:00.001-07:00

Drizzle, dripping cloud
Weeping cherry blossoms pink
Drop petal puddles

Color Infusion

2010-03-13T13:11:00.001-08:00

With spring comes an infusion of color!
In gardens and in my work!
I'm walking to the studio most everyday, even on the rainy ones.
The subtle shades of green and mauve that color the helebores work nicely on sets of tiny nesting bowls too.

Yet all the colors are so fresh! Its difficult to know, which combination work best?

Chartreuse, yellow pink...

Think new growth and youth!

Bright heather...
Prepare yourself

for fleshy pink and purples that have a sweet sexiness to them.

One can sip and nibble a menu of color.

to recall those gardens beyond the window pane.

Be joyful for that golden burst of crocus!

Celebrate Spring!
Enjoy one of each!

2010-01-24T17:37:00.000-08:00

It was 2004 when Nigel and I paddled 675 miles of uninhabited coastline in Labrador, Canada. The destination was chosen to complete a journey that Nigel had begun in 1981.
From Kuujjuaq we headed north, following the eastern skirts of Ungava Bay. At high tide the landscape was vast and flat. When it dropped, we paddled through ragged valleys, battling the currents sweeping out from every narrow channel.

There were plenty of awkward landings involving steep climbs, but they allowed us to reach the high, dry land we needed to pitch our tents. We earned some spectacular views too!

Though uninhabited today, the region had been traveled for over 7000 years by Arctic peoples. It was our good fortune to encounter the signs they left behind. Piles of stones called "Inukshuks", often stacked to look like a person, were a fair indicator of a reliable camp spot. We frequently used stones from the tent circles of earlier visitors, (replacing them where we found them when we left) and slept in the company of ancient graves.
Our adventures led us to more recent ruins as well. The Moravian missionaries had set up missions in this region during the 1700's and 1800's. Our detours to Ramah and Hebron were rich, inspiring our imaginations about the inhabitants and the lives they lived there long ago! Minke whale escorts into Ramah made us feel like we were returning home. Crumbling remains at Hebron provided us with extra shelter. The men we met at that site had grown up here but were relocated to villages in the south in 1959 by the Canadian government. Now they had returned, on a government grant, to restore the old mission building. Particularly engaging was the shaman, Sim, who offered us insights into Inuit philosophy and gave us a great travel tip for the next leg of our journey! (find out about that in the book!)

There was once a Hudson Bay Co. store at this location too.

We took the opportunity to rest up and explored what was left of the place.

Eating was a huge part of our trip, not because we were doing it all the time, but, because it was such a point of pleasure and comfort after the days exertions! Of course we used ceramic dishes from Kri Kri Studio in Seattle!

That we could have used more calories was a given. Our kayaks had been loaded to their maximum capacity when we started, however, so when we could begin supplementing our diet with mushrooms, then blueberries and mussels as we got further south on the Labrador coast,

we certainly did!

Entering Manvers run, the final leg of our journey, we came upon the cabin of Jim Anderson and his wife, Helena. We spent one night with them, sharing a meal of arctic char, which they caught and mushrooms that Nigel and I had found. After we retired to our tent, the Northern Lights decended, showering us in an eerie green glow.
The next morning visitors came to the cabin. One of the aunties requested that we leave a message in the guest book at her cabin, since we would be passing it on our way in to Nain.

On account of the bears, the key was a hammer that one used to remove planks nailed across the door and to put them back!

Inside was compact and cozy! We wrote our note and continued on.
By the end, fuel was also running a little short. Nigel built and efficient fire pit over which we boiled berries, cooked mushrooms and steamed mussels, waiting for a break in the weather for the last stretch of paddling.

Locals who knew we were still out in the wilds made a stop by our camp to deliver some snacks and find out how we were doing.

We had been paddling for 5 weeks by the time we reached Nain. When we arrived, we indulged our appetites eating and resting, watching the food channel on TV and waiting for the arrival of "The Northern Ranger", the coastal steamer. The coastal steamer would take us back to Happy Valley Goose Bay where we once again would hop into our trusty Jeep to return to Seattle.

Now there is a book out about our adventures; "Stepping Stones", written by Nigel Foster and published by Outskirts Press.
You can purchase it though his web store (just click on the book!) or any at major book sellers'.

It includes tales about our encounters with polar bears and much about the history of Labrador and it's nature.

you are welcome to visit www.nigelkayaks.com too!

Rumour

2009-11-08T16:39:00.001-08:00

One Autumn day
in Seattle,

A Rumour was going around Green Lake.

Paddling through colored water,
upside down without being around!

It approached an island,

...or was it?
Slipping past pilings,

that morphed,

and the swimming dock,
while eagles circled.
Then, met some friends on the dock and went home.

Jumbo Fun

2009-09-19T22:38:00.001-07:00

The Jumbo Hostel at Stockholm's Arlanda airport is an
uplifting option if you are arriving in the evening and have a very early morning connection to make.

It's not worth the time or money to even go into Stockholm, let alone book into a hotel.
In June, Nigel and I were on our way home to Seattle, back tracking our itinerary from Stockholm to Amsterdam; Amsterdam to Venice; Venice to Stockholm; Stockholm to Amsterdam to Seattle! When I read that the "Jumbo Hostel" was newly opened, I jumped at the opportunity to miss a night sleeping in the airport!

Just outside of the front desk is this pleasant patio.
A spiral staircase will lead one to the lounge upstairs,

where I fantasize about a jet setting life.

Need relief? Just down the hall is row of toilets, each with a shower. There is a place to wash and iron clothes, as well as Internet access.

The hostel is a real 747 transformed! It is quite impressive how spacious the inside is with all the center isles removed.

We were delighted by how cozy an airplane could be! Baggage goes in the overhead bins, of course.

It was great fun to explore and poke around the entire plane.

Imagine spending a night in this bed!

Breakfast in the cafe was not much better than what is served on an active plane.
But the pure playfulness of this one night experience left us refreshed and relaxed!

Swedish Way

2009-09-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

Over water, to Sweden once again.
Where watery places await discovery.
Some of the inhabitants dried up long ago.

Washing machine inards, once wet with laundry, rested after finding new employment as lobster traps.
And,
elegant relics from other ages lingered on.
We relax in our hotel room.
And fulfil our dreams window shopping in Stockholm.

A cozy spot for one.

Another finds a place closer to the action.
Then, it's off to the forest. Where golden treasure awaits.
The prize bounty!

Wandering the streets once more,

wondering what might linger beyond that curve in the road.

A pastry shop?

Make that a double cappucino please.

But linger not too long. Got to be moving on.

Small Visitors

2009-04-18T23:20:00.000-07:00

Small visitors arrived on Planet Kri Kri at the beginning of April.

They emerged from clay and were clothed in colors of glaze.

One new friend thought that coffee had gone to his head.

The two cats agreed.

The tiny wizard could not be reached.
... His mind was else where.

He would be leaving soon to Philadelphia. There was a Small Favour to do.

Small Favours show at the The Clay Studio

woodland wander

2009-03-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

Into the forest they went, one day.

It was beautiful.
They felt different!
This world was magic!
Entangled;enthralling...

We felt small and happy...
content to be alive in the smells of the forest.

Not everything was edible.
The hunt was on for the elusive chanterelle!

Other things were found, though not edible, and were admired for texture.

and for color
The pursuit continued.

Reindeer moss harbored these elegant specimens. Skirted with soft ruffled folds.

Onward, searching, we went.

And yes, success was ours that day.

Reaping a bounty that we all could share. Yum!

Welcome!

2009-01-31T22:29:00.000-08:00

Please welcome the Nigel Foster Kayak Store!

Nigel and I have collaborated on this project to gather together the multitude of items that Nigel has created, from kayaks and books to DVDs.

We will have the deck bags for paddles that we designed for our trip in Labrador.

And, you can even purchase Nigel's latest kayak designs through the Nigel Foster Kayak Store, the infamous "Whisky 16" and the "Double Shot", both produced by Point 65 in 2008.

We are excited to put this impressive collection together in one place and look forward to adding more items in the future.

Expect Kri Kri espresso cups and coffee kit...

and perhaps a new book!
We invite you to visit today!

Reflections 2008

2009-01-13T09:04:00.001-08:00

Boggled by the idea of bLOG entry...

When a small file titled "reflections" reveals itself.
I am thus inspired to recollect the year.
It was surreal...

A midnight journey to the haunted house in Iceland, lingering memories of spirits drifting over the water.

Loosing ourselves, double crossing bridges and twisting through Venice. Romance and mystery lurking in murky waters.

The on going Scandinavian saga of a company, Point 65
expanding and morphing, creating and recreating itself and kayak adventure.

Looking back, peering in.

Having fun with a new perspective on things!
Consider; reconsider the past.

Visualize the future... Welcoming 2009!

Colorful People!

2008-12-13T14:42:00.000-08:00

I saw these 2 girls
walking, in Germany. Since I don't speak German, I used body language to get them to follow me.

I thought that they should try kayaking and suggested these boats by Point 65

It is fun when your boat matches your outfit!

They said they would think about it.

...I think I might try something new with my hair.

All About Color!

2008-11-13T21:44:00.000-08:00

It's all about color?
A little sparkle too!

Don't neglect that "after wash up glow"!
A feast of color,
to be feasted upon!

Find an open display at The Square Room
or layered... at KOBO

Try one of each!

Visual Tour

2008-10-31T22:04:00.000-07:00

Travel by trike at Howard House, a gallery on 2nd Ave in Seattle;
Take Lauren Grossman's lead. Explore cities, precarious;
Portending our future?
Mountains cast of heavy language
speak words of the prophet, Issiah,
cast shadows,
and doubt, yet shed light.
So intriguing because they seem to tell us something!
But what are they saying?
Let them mystify... There is beauty to be found in the materials, industrial,
and the mechanics are oh, so pleasing!!
Here is a show where you can touch, if you like, think too, if you dare!

Felt Hat

2008-10-24T20:53:00.000-07:00

While suffering from a creative itch in Denmark, I was spurred on to begin this felting project.

It was knitted in Denmark, Nuremberg, Sweden and Seattle.

The over sized result did not shrink as much as I had expected. Washing machines are hotter and more vigorous in Denmark, where I washed my sample. So, surgery was necessary.

I just cut the darn thing down to size and stitched it back together using a blanket stitch!

It is extremely cosy!

Perfect for donning in the evening while reading or daytime buzzing about the town!

Truth be told, my friend, Mary Jane, Knitter Superior, and lovely Veida, who was busy knitting and felting in Svendborg, have been very inspiring!

I think that knitting makes a great traveling project!

Back to "Work"!

2008-10-15T22:35:00.000-07:00

Finally!
At last! It feels wonderful to be back in the studio and working in clay again!
"Fancy", Seattle's very stylish jewelry store, has just ordered these rings.
And, the glazing room is filling up with mysterious pink dishes. Actually, that's just the color of the clear, final glaze.

But, let me digress! There was one little detour before I could really get back to work...
No sooner had we landed, after 2 months in Scandinavia, Nigel and I were setting out to the airport again for a red eye flight. This time, our final destination was Utica NY! Nigel was to be inducted into the International Kayaking Hall of Fame, which also includes Rowing, Canoeing and Cycling.
The ceremony, at the Childrens' Museum , was a special experience for both of us.
But, there was also opportunity to explore the Erie canal,
to drive along the Mohawk River;
To marvel at the Autumn foliage in the Adirondacks Mountains!

Then, it was really "back to the studio, again!"
This time of year I am primarily working on orders for Christmas. If all goes a planned, some of the dishes I am making will be used for Thanksgiving dinner!
"greenware", waiting to be painted with under glaze and decorated.
My head is bursting with new ideas!

So many items I would like to create! and myriad color combinations that I am lusting to use!
I have been stimulated and there are not enough hours in the day to realize everything!
...Stay tuned for final results!
And, visit The Kri Kri Web Store to see what's ready now!

Wind Power

2008-10-04T00:34:00.001-07:00

The wind blows quite strongly over the relatively flat country of Denmark, and the Danes have a history of harvesting this energy.

Denmark supplies both technology and know how for wind generating energy throughout the world .

On the west coast of Denmark, in the region of Thy, one can find the village of Klitmoller.

Frequently buffeted by strong winds blowing off the North sea,

it is paradise to wind, kite and board surfers

as well as to those hoping to catch some waves in kayaks.

Thy has 70% of its electricity generated by approximately 230 wind mills.

Additionally, heat for homes is supplied by burning waste, geothermal heat and from burning straw.

We passed 2 modern windmill factories during our travels, and marveled at the insides of the long pipes that support them!

In 1996, Thy became the world's leading producer in the field of windmill operations.
Today, the Island of Samso is completely energy sufficient and actually exports energy! Asked if bothered by the ubiquitous windmills, the Danes I inquired responded that the windmills had a positive presence.

They are making clean energy for Denmarkand inspire hope for more sustainable energy in the future!

En Route to Scandinavia

2008-08-07T21:34:00.001-07:00

This time Nigel had an idea. We would spend the day in Amsterdam before heading on to Sweden. I was excited!
Though we are always passing through the airport, it was my first time in the city.

We ambled through narrow lanes and along canals, slowly making our way to the Van Gough Museum. What a treat! Though crowded, we were in no rush, so just inched along with the masses and soaked in the multitudes of rich images.
Morning light filtered through trees, casting dappled patterns on the water.
The city was summery and colorful. As we strolled, we were mindful of the multitudes of cyclists zipping to work One must be on the alert, always!
Little things are different in Holland! I enjoyed stopping to watch canal traffic, imagining having a boat instead of a car, and speculating how one would get in and out of ones car when parking with the driver's side opening on to the canal!
After walking and the museum, we were knackered!
We fell asleep on a bench, on the train on the way back to the airport, and in the airport.
Fortunately we made our flight!
While in Sweden, Nigel and I will be doing a photo shoot with Point 65,
followed by some casual paddling with our friends Britta and Roland in the Archipelago. Afterwards, we will meet a group of Stockholm paddlers and continue on for an instructional tour.
Then we move to the West Coast, meeting up with Thomas at Orust Kajak for 2 tours and a weekend symposium.

What happens next? Lots of fun with Nicolai at Nicus Nature in Denmark.
We are hoping to meet up with my brother, Eric and his daughter, Ella, while there. Nigel and I will be traveling for 2 months this time, checking e mail and hoping to post on our blogs. Don't forget to check Nigel's web site for dates and more info on classes!

Mosaic Project

2008-07-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

Once I had some spare time and thought that making a mosaic tile back splash for our bathroom would be a fun and useful way to pass the time..

Step 1; Simply roll out some clay and start cutting, rather than drawing out the pattern you wish to see in tile on your wall.

Trim crumbly bits off.
Step 2: Select colors and paint 3 layers of underglaze on each piece.

Be careful not to mix up pieces, not to forget to do 3 layers on each piece and to be sure that it is the same 3 colors on each piece;

step 4; Transfer all those pieces to the kiln and do a bisque firing.

Step 5; Remove from kiln and put 3 coats of gloss glaze on each tiles. The concerns are the same as in step 2, also be careful not to get gloss glaze on the backs of the tiles. They may stick to the kiln shelf if you do.

Step 6; Transfer mosaic tiles to installation location and glue in place.
Step 7; Grout mosaic.
Now wasn't that easy!

Roof Tops

2008-07-07T21:54:00.000-07:00

Nestled between Norway and Iceland, one finds The Faroe Islands,

harboring fishing and rowing boats of distinctive style.

Particular as well are the turf roofs, which hold the "tops"on when the wind howls!

There is harmony in the housing elements and how they settle into the hilly landscape

Spotted, A modern twist on the turf roof!

Visit geodesic dome, and take a side trip for yourself!

Happy travels!

Velkomin Til Islands!

2008-07-03T23:23:00.000-07:00

A Vikings tale...
They came from over seas...
We arrived by ferry, making a 2 day journey from Bergen, Norway and spending a day in the Faroe Islands.

My first impression of Iceland was intriguing.

The roofs were BLUE!

The lands contoured and mysterious;
Steaming,

and frozen.

Alluring in an unexplicable way!
A perfect environment for Trolls!

Where land can swallow itself up

or spray paint itself in brilliant colors!

Dare to brave the 28 kilometers of unpaved road to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe and you will be rewarded!

This place is in the middle of a desert!!

Some of the people were whalers in the past,

leaving safe havens, like Husavik, in small boats.

Today, "modern"Vikings take to the seas in even smaller vessels, kayaks, originally from Greenland, partaking in festivals of a sort which are called "symposiums."

(Faroese row boat on the beach too!)

They can be a great place to learn, and to meet folks with similar interests. We were invited to attend the Eric The Red Symposium in Neskaupssadur by Steini Sigurlaugsson, from Eglisstadir.
(Steini, Ari and Nigel)
Ari's Parents hosted us in Neskaupssadur.

At this event, I took part in a helicopter rescue.
Though slightly apprehensive, I reminded myself that, "these are professionals."
The view from above was unbeatable!

It is very windy underneath one of these things and actually, it can be easier to perform a rescue in windy conditions when the helicopter can counter forces against the wind.

There were classes for people of all ages and abilities, which could have gone on all night.

The sun is out for 24 hours a day at this time of year!
And we took advantage of as many of them as possible!

We really had a splendid time in Iceland

KNIT!

2008-07-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

All knitters should be so lucky!

I spotted this painting in an art gallery in Torshavn, capitol of the Faroe Islands.

Voga Longa

2008-06-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

Our travels evolved from a three legged trip into a spider, an octopus and then this truely amazing, many limbed creature.

I am only the eyes!

Here is one of the appendages!

This was our first trip to Venice, and what a way to see it!
Gondolas!!
The Bridge of Sighs!
We participated in The Voga Longa, a non-competetive race that was more like a pageant then anything else.

Here is the "We", Jenn Cleck, Giorgio Sartori, Nigel Foster, Kristin Nelson, before the race.

There were boats from all over, Switzerland, France and Germany, as well as rowers and paddlers from different regions of Italy, wearing traditional dress.

The "wine boat", sponsored by a local vineyard.

Yellow gondola meets rowing scull.

The course took us out to Burano, the lace making island and through Murano, the glass making center.

Coffee break on Burano.

Finally, we entered the Grand Canale and made it to the finish at San Marco.

Dragon boat drummer giving a pulse to the last kilometers.

The cafes were all packed and people poured over their balconies to watch and cheer on the racers as they neared the finish.

Bottle neck as we re-enter the canal.

The day was spectacular!!

You can join us next year, if you like!

Three Leg Tour

2008-04-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

It all depends on how you look at it. Maybe it's 2 or 4 or 5 legs!

But, May 6th Nigel and I depart for Venice, Italy, Stockholm (yes, Sweden!) and from there, take an airplane to Bergen Norway to catch a ferry to Iceland via the Faeroe Islands.

We will participate in The Voga Longa and teach at the Bibione Symposium south of Venice.

Neither Nigel nor I have been to Italy before and we are especially looking forward to this unique opportunity to paddle in Venice when there will be no motor traffic!

While in Sweden we will be teaching staff from the major sports outlet in Hungary.

And there will be some business meetings with Point 65.

Then, it's on to Iceland!

This portion of our travels is particularly meaningful because Nigel and his friend, Geoff Hunter were the first people to circumnavigate the island in 1977. At that time there were no kayaks in Iceland and now, he has been invited back to teach.We have decided to take the ferry, in part because that is how Nigel made his earlier journeys there with kayaks. This means a bonus visit to the Faeroe Islands, the islands midway between Norway and Iceland, a place I first heard about from my friend Mary Jane Mucklestone. One family vacation in the late 60's, her father flew the four of them in their single engine plane from Seattle to Europe. They made a few stops along the way including one in the Faeroes.

The legs of this trip are quite contrasting yet each one is significant. (I have been preparing by studying Italian and Icelandic and talk about opposites!!)

But I look forward to the impact they will have individually and as a series of experiences.

There most certainly will be some unexpected connections made and some twisted tendrels to untangle back in the studio.
Until June...

April 19th

2008-04-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

This April 19th was sunny at times... also hailing, raining and, snowing!

I busied myself indoors, sewing paddle bags and phoning my brothers in California. It was a Sunday after all.

At dusk, things seemed to calm down.

So, I hopped in the Jeep, kayak ready on the roof, and nipped over to the Arboretum to "chill" out on the water.

I saw an eagle, a woodpecker... harlequin ducks and mergansers as well as many ducks and great blue herons. Best of all, 3 beavers!

I think they live here.

Time for Auctions!

2008-04-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Assoc., that's my neighborhood in Seattle, will be holding its annual auction on May 3rd.

I am donating for the first time this year to support an organization which does so much to make this neighborhood great place to live.

Now, In living color!

2008-04-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

As you might notice, there are 3 now! Number 3 lost an ear and won't be going to Philadelphia!

Kri Kri Creatures

2008-04-16T00:14:00.000-07:00

The Clay Studio in Philadelphia has invited me to participate in their "Small Favors" show again.

My idea was to bring some of my line drawings off my dishes to "life"

It has been a joy to work at sculpture again,
Even though these pieces are only 3 inches in size!

canal dreams

2008-03-26T23:55:00.000-07:00

We are paddling on the Fremont canal and it's not only the boats that are drifting...

My mind travels from rusty hulls to memories of Barcelona.

An under-pier cathedral all a glow!

Salmon pink globes hovering like lanterns.

It was Shanghai and the Pearl Tower!

A short little stretch of water becoming longer the slower we travel...

A message from beyond!

2008-03-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

One fine summer afternoon my friend Joanne stopped by the studio. As we chatted she worked her way around the room looking at and fondling the work. She ended up with a yellow "Smile" cup in her hands. She really didn't seem to want to part with it, and I didn't have the heart to charge her for it. She is a lovely person, all about doing nice things for others, so I told her to just take it home. A few months later I received this post card!!!

The post card read:

" Hi Mom, Its me! Here in I am in the land of Ghengis Khan! Can you see him next to me? I live at the Ashral Charity Center where lots of people come and go everyday. Everybody smiles when they see me. Hi to my brothers and sisters!

Love, Your Darling Cup."

Joanne took him with her on a visit to Mongolia.

I think he is happy there!

Floating World

2008-03-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

At the bottom of a warm pool the manatee floats.

Until visitors in small boats visit.

The small one is very curious.

A mother continues to nurse her baby, and someone is sleeping.

Paddles and tails...

Under the shade of jungle leaf, we float on top. Occasionally we roll into their world.

Time spent with them is in suspension

soup time

2008-02-16T00:08:00.000-08:00

Yum! Cold outside, warm inside.

Almost everyday that I work in the studio, I settle down to a bowl of hot, Asian style soup around the lunching hour of noon.

If I'm lucky, I get to have it at home too, when I'm working there.

However, the studio has all my supplies:

Dried black fungus and

shitake mushrooms,

rice noodles,

carrots always, among other vegetables

such as spinach or baby bok choy,

Chinese broccoli, ginger, and

Tom yum paste, in a jar...

The water gets a head start on boiling in the electric kettle while I finish up tasks.

The soup itself is cooking only about 7 minutes!

It warms with heat and spice!

My favorite read at lunch time is The New Yorker magazine.

Then, back to work...

snow paddle

2008-01-29T20:50:00.000-08:00

I really have been getting a lot done in the studio...

however, Saturday Kristin, Nigel and Joel met Monica and Jay at Marblemount Wa. to be swept down the mighty Skagit River amongst snow flurries and lurching eagles.

The river is our state's second largest, I've been told by local knowledge", Joel Rogers, and flows at approximately 8 miles per hour.

Known as a bald eagle hangout when the salmon are running, we did not anticipate seeing many this day as the run was finished. In fact, we saw approximately 40 of the great birds sitting vulture like in barren trees, staring at the river, now devoid of fish!

Paddling an open canoe, Nigel probably got the chilliest of us all, gleefully sliding back and forth across the current. I plucked up my courage and paddled the Rumour with my storm paddle. Well, it was a small storm... and was pleasantly delighted by the control it provided me with, not unlike a canoe paddle, really!

Monica was in a state of bliss, being in her kayak again and on a river once again!

I think that made Jay happy, because he was smiling a lot too!
It didn't take long to wisk along the 19 miles to the take out. And once off the water, we hurried to get out of the wet and be on our ways again.

Ice Rink

2008-01-27T00:22:00.000-08:00

It has been the most beautiful type of winter weather here lately, frosty and sunny. Nigel and I have been paddling on Green Lake almost every morning. Tuesday we discovered ice near the center! It was magical! Paddling up to the edge caused it to shiver and make the most delicate creaking sounds. Breaking through the thin crust was a lovely sensation, to begin with. Then, as the crust thickened the experience was a little unnerving! The kayak glided up on the ice and the paddle slid underneath. I felt quite an insecure.
Well, we're giving it another go today!
have a good one!

vase and flowers

2008-01-21T11:42:00.000-08:00

Last week Nigel and I had a dinner party. I made black bean soup from "The Greens" cookbook, The Greens is a restaurant in San Francisco, famous for its vegetarian cuisine. I also made a pear-apple tart with tart pastry from the same cook book. Grant said was the best tart he had ever had. Well, true or not, it was tasty, and his compliments made me feel great! The soup was served in Kri Kri cereal bowls, which are ideal if you have a large group, a small house and not a lot of room for large plates! No photos of the beautiful table this time though. Nigel, however, had filled our Trumpet vase with tulips and I did manage to get a photo of them.

I am vowing to take more photos of table settings this year and, I think it would be WONDERFUL to see photos of other people's table settings using Kri Kri or VIT. If you want to send a photo to me at krikristudio@aol.com, I would be ever so happy!

Maybe I could even do a posting with those pictures!

Tiny bowls

2007-12-13T22:04:00.000-08:00

I love colors,
... and bowls,
lots of small ones, in many colors.
Usefull?
Perhaps...
olive pits,
wasabe peas,
ice cream,
a broken necklace...

What would you use them for?
Which color is your favorite?

Annual Studio Sale

2007-12-12T21:42:00.001-08:00

Kri Kri studio sale 2007 was a lovely success!

It is always positive when sales are good, but the best part of it has to be the positive energy that my customers give back to me! Most of the time I am working by myself, listening to the radio, my music or quietly producing with my own thoughts whirring about between my ears. Watching folks pick up things, examining and admiring them, comparing, and trying to decide which color or which item they will purchase is delightful, and interesting. So often I am selecting pieces to send out in an order and must do the same thing myself. It isn't easy. I often long for a second opinion. My sympathy goes out to the indecisive! The best made choices are intuitive and from the heart!

Many of the shoppers are people that I see only once a year. But what a glad reunion it is! Perhaps they were sent once by a friend, or a friend of a friend so I really don't "know" them, but over the years I have come to recognize their faces and to put faces to names on the mailing list. All these people, young and old make the pilgrimage to the studio, bringing enthusiasm and a little optimism that they will find a "treasure" or the perfect gift for someone special.

It is such a positive way for me to wrap up my business year and an unbeatable way to get happy for the holiday season!

My thanks to everyone who came by!