The first time I visited SPACE in South Pasadena was to check out Annie Helm‘s exhibit. When we were renting in South Pasadena, we were fortunate to live next to Annie. She not only was a nice, friendly neighbor (we miss living next door to her), but she is a wonderfully creative artist. I was excited to see her works on display, although I was lucky enough to have seen some of them in her apartment – delicately placed on a side table, hanging on the wall – and even more fortunate to see and hear some of the works in progress. We actually bought one of her pieces titled “Love Letters,” which we have hanging up in our bedroom. The piece struck us – probably really an extension of how Taro and I feel about each other – and we really wanted to support our dear friend, Annie. So that is how I discovered SPACE, which is a quaint gallery, located in South Pasadena on Mission Street, that not only showcases modern works, but provides an array of workshops for children, teenagers, and adults.
So as I was sifting through my email, I stumbled upon one from SPACE announcing a two day ceramics workshop, somewhat geared towards Valentine’s Day. I have always enjoyed “artsy” things – stamps and card-making as a teen, scrapbooking – both traditional and digital – and card-making (again!) as an adult – but I never actually did pottery or any hands-on type of work. So I thought, two days…that’s not a bad way to try something and if it isn’t for me, it’s not a huge commitment. I sent Taro a text message, asked him if he was interested, and to my surprise, he said yes. I signed us both up and anticipated what I was going to create at the ceramics workshop.
The two day workshop was a new experience, but a pleasant, fun, and relaxing one. I loved that when I walked in the first day, there was a welcoming feel and vibe in the gallery. In addition, there were books, plates, bowls, shapes, utensils, and clay sprawled out for anybody’s use with a table next to it filled with wine, cheese, and other goodies. The workshop wasn’t a “this is how you make a ceramic piece” type of class with strict instructions and guidelines. Instead, it was an environment that welcomed creativity with Rebecca Tager, the instructor, assisting in every way possible. Want to make a cup? Knock yourself out. An abstract, organic piece? Why not?
So Taro and I were able to create anything we wanted. So what did we do? We had to do our own interpretation of Peanut and because the workshop gave us an avenue to run with our crazy obsession about our cat, we each made a piece dedicated to the nut. I had so much fun creating my Peanut vase; I went into my own little world, throwing, sculpting, shaping, and on the second day, painting the piece and adding more texture and depth to it.
I cannot wait to see the final product, but overall, I am so glad that Taro and I tried something new. His piece, in my opinion, is amazing, especially for someone who doesn’t always do the “artsy” stuff! I cannot wait to do this again and am looking forward to the next ceramics workshop that SPACE will be offering.
This is my piece, before I started painting it:
Halfway through painting my ceramic piece, Taro came and this is what his piece looked like. He was very focused on getting the colors of Peanut just right!
Some of the final products before glazing:
Our figures side by side. I love them both – maybe even love Taro’s interpretation of Peanut even more than my own.
I met Chris and Gina several years ago when I first started dating Taro. It was actually in Mammoth and that was when Gina said, “Did you go to…” We realized that this was not our first encounter with each other, but we actually had P.E. together in junior high. It was great to reconnect and since then, our friendship has grown. So throughout those years, I watched Chris and Gina date, build a relationship and foundation with each other, marry, raise a beautiful girl and welcome a handsome young boy into the world, and renew their vows. Gina talked about renewing their vows several times so when I received their invitation in the mail, I was ecstatic and ready to celebrate the unconditional love Chris and Gina have for each other.
Some would say it was a downpour that day. If you ask others, Gina’s dad was showering her with love and happy tears from above. Regardless, the ceremony was intimate and touching, especially when the couple thanked each other for being the other half and for allowing each to give them a family. Afterwards, the celebration continued inside the beautiful cottage, The Raymond Restaurant.
The night was not just a celebration of Chris and Gina, but a dedication to family. Chris surprised Gina with a slide show of her father; with “Dance with My Father” playing in the background, tears were shed by everyone. It was a moving dedication, followed by a heartfelt dance between father and daughter, Chris and Jade. Gina, also, had a surprise for Chris. She discreetly took off her shoes and performed a solo Hawaiian dance. It felt like the world closed in on just those two – Gina only looked at Chris and Chris stood there in admiration of his friend, wife, partner, and companion.
It was a beautiful ceremony and reception, Chris and Gina, and I feel lucky to have been a part of it and have you two as friends. May your love continue to grow and flourish!
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