Lee's Backsplash
Friday, July 31, 2020
Dear Marion,
It’s a funny thing when you realize how important our technology is to every aspect of our lives. What better to ease the pain of WiFi affecting remote learning, work, & air conditioning...a cup of tea and a re-boot. Even my car computer crashed while receiving its updates...on the same day!
This was the perfect moment to hear about a friend’s recent accomplishment. We should never feel too old or busy to take on a new experience. While I was knee-deep in WiFi angst, my good friend was up to her elbows in clay. There is something so satisfying in getting your hands dirty while tackling what may previously have felt overwhelming. Sometimes you just need to start, take that first step and the rest will follow. Dive into a project that may feel out of reach but will fill your soul with joy, a sense of wonder, and accomplishment. No surprise, this friend doesn’t think too hard before diving in and that of course is what attracts me to her and her projects.
As we know, Lee is first and foremost an artist in every sense of the word. Even so, taking on her kitchen back splash was a tall order. Her focus was that of a beautiful tile purchased in Italy on her honeymoon. Over the twenty-something years that tile has moved a few times. For this kitchen, it will be lovingly hung in the center of one wall so that it can be removed if needed(or if she chooses to move). For such an occasion, a substitute tile will be crafted - a good designer always plans ahead.
During a semester in Italy, her daughter purchased some small, beautiful pieces of glass that work perfectly into her design. Side note: I remember you telling me that there is no such thing as coincidence. I also believe if you really love something, it will find its way into your home or project. This time is no exception, the pieces are sprinkled along the path as though they were purposely cut to fit the sketched line. Lee chose a creamy white glaze to enhance the use of the blues and greens of the glass and multi colored large tile. She added texture into the creamy sections and followed the curving lines inspired by the large tile. The grout will be minimalized by its color as well as the width. The overall desire being that of a non repeating mosaic mural.
As the design plan was complete, Lee needed some help and to her credit she did not hesitate to recruit that expertise. On one such incredibly warm day, she called on the experienced ceramicist Rhoda Kahler. As an accomplished artist and skilled teacher, Rhoda guided Lee and reigned her enthusiasm as needed. Rhoda took Lee’s designs and helped work through the challenges to ensure the clay would result in a finished product that Lee envisioned. There is not a successful artist and/or designer that doesn’t recognize the importance of a seasoned skill set. While it is fun to challenge yourself and learn from your mistakes, if you have a desired project to complete, you will reap the rewards tenfold by contracting the help of an expert in the field.
Lee and Rhoda know how to balance creativity, planning, and elbow work with the execution of a delicious meal. The beauty of this Turkey Open Faced Sandwich with melted cheese is the support of a perfect in season tomato and fresh made bread. It is smartly paired with a well deserved frozen strawberry margarita on a hot summer afternoon. I remember similar sandwiches made at home when I was young and I still so often associate most open faced sandwiches with our Norwegian roots.
This backsplash may be unconventional, but it is a great way to add another personal touch to her home. The kitchen is not large and the use of space is important. Color, material, cabinetry, and countertop are sometimes even more tricky in this case to make a successful cohesive design. In addition, Lee spends much of her family time in the kitchen creating and enjoying a family meal. Well, let’s be honest, her family and mainly hubby do most of the cooking. Nevertheless, they are together creating a meal and now they can enjoy their newly created surroundings as well.
Art can be found anywhere and it can bring joy in the most unexpected places. IT is personal and it can have history connecting us to places and beautiful memories. This backsplash shows texture, movement, color and I am sure new memories will follow.
Talk soon,
Forever Yours
Quote
“Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.”
Albert Einstein
German-born Physicist
1879-1955