Of Candles and Cottonballs

When I was quite young, my family ate by candlelight most evenings. I now realize that this practice, by bathing the room in honey-colored light, had the effect of making food more appealing.









The candleholders we used were nothing fancy - short and nondescript. I certainly never paid them much attention, but they held candles sturdily enough.










Above is a candleholder made by local artist Mary Lou Reid. This piece would do much more than hold a candle - it would also enrich the visual landscape of a dining table. Note the sculptural, two-toned leaves clustered about the drip catcher, as if Mary Lou had just gathered them on an autumnal walk.

It is part of "Unique Blend", the cash & carry show currently featured at Bluseed Studios.

Mary Lou's work combines color harmony with sensitivity to the natural world and mastery of a difficult medium. Some of it, like this candleholder, is practical, while other work is decorative. All of it adds beauty to everyday life.









I think everyday life can use as much beauty as it can get.

This next image depicts a selection of ceramics by Peter Shrope, also on display at Bluseed. Peter's art expresses a complex vision, encompassing layers of meaning within elegant forms. Also, like Mary Lou's, much of it is practical. Can you imagine mixing pancake batter in one of those bowls, or storing your dry goods in canisters such as this?

My own everyday life includes the beauty of both Mary Lou's and Peter's work. My bathroom is decorated with some of Mary Lou's hand-painted tiles, while a little vessel Peter made holds cotton balls on the counter. I love them both.

These are only two examples of the "Unique Blend" at Bluseed; in total, ten artists have work in this show. Although a variety of media are represented, most of the art is practical and useful as well as beautiful. Any of it would make a great holiday gift - or could enrich your own home.

And if you eat by candlelight, who knows? Maybe the food will taste better!