When we asked Jessie what inspires her art, she told us:

“It’s hard to name a single thing that inspires me. I find inspiration in all kinds of beauty, and sometimes in ugliness. I often recognize beauty is strange places — in a gutter, on a billboard, tiny gems that are hidden and exhilarating when I see them.

“I love antiques and flea markets where my goal is to unearth treasure. Sometime, I’ll watch a film and leave forgetting the story altogether, but fascinated by a color or form I saw. At other times, a conversation or an article will make me think and have an influence on my work.

“I love and admire crafts that don’t seem possible or practical anymore — like old doorknobs and hinges or stone mason facades.

“When I design and make Jewelry (my full time job), these are the approaches and techniques that excite me the most. And, these same techniques are the ones I most enjoy at La Mano. Refined lines and ornate decoration are an inspiring part of these processes for me. So, I concentrate on slow, detailed carving and learning to manipulate ceramic tools, which are often an exercise in patience and concentration.

“Most of all, I think the always supportive and incredibly productive environment at La Mano inspires me. The people are so committed to their work and it’s all so beautiful — I just want to do it too!”

When we asked Greg about his work, here is what he said:

“I started learning to throw pots almost 20 years ago. I think I was attracted to pottery because I can’t draw! I have become fascinated with the conceptoddt of form and the space it encloses.

“I think that is why bowls are my favorite because they are one of the most basic forms — the cupped hands. I think the greatest compliment I can receive is “It can hold things.

“My day (and sometimes night) job is as a physician. I am an attorney-physician internist who teaches internal medicine residents – new doctors to become compassionate physicians. I also provide consultation services in Bioethics. I spend time helping patients and families deal with the many issues that arise at the end of life. I love my job, but sometimes it can be very stressful. Pottery provides a great distraction. I share many pieces with friends and family while telling them that they are “sharing in my therapy.”

Daniel Kaufthal’s colorful, beautifully textured pots, vases and bowls will be on display in our front window all month long.