The Exotic Teapot

Jake Jarodsky is an old soul in a young body.  He knew in his teens that he would be an artist.  Jake was torn between becoming a sculptor or a potter.  Because of his intense undergraduate studying, he was hired as a studio aid.  This is where he learned mixing glazes, kiln temperature results, glass blowing and much more.  He chose his higher educational institution based on his admiration of the sage artist and professor Yih-Wen Kuo.  Jake's motto is:

I believe one must do what feels right, regardless of the outcome. The reason I say regardless of the outcome is because it is better to stand up for what you believe in and maybe fail, than not try at all. It is better to be truthful to one’s self, than live with lies and not pursue ones truth.

I expect to see lots of fabulous teapots from Jake over the next few decades.

Using an exotic teapot is one sure way to impress guests at a dinner party.  Additionally, there are other simple serving techniques that will surprise your company: 

·In lieu of spoons, place cinnamon sticks in each cup of black tea;

·Freeze rose buds in ice cube trays then add to chilled tea;

·Add infused lemon balm or lemon verbena to tea.  Place lemon zests around saucer to accentuate;

·Use a flowering tea in a clear glass teapot so your guests can watch the flower bloom right before their eyes.

This past January I chose for 2010 to follow the shows and new teapots created by glass artist Elaine Hyde.  Elaine has created some more spectacular pieces since then.  Her new black blown glass pieces have or will soon be shown in several prestigious fine arts shows.  What separates Elaine from other artists is that she incorporates silver, gold and other gem embellishments with her glass.   The combination of black, red lipstick shaped tops and silver on these make them all the more exquisitely sophisticated and feminine.

This colourful teapot does not consist of colourful broken chips of glass pieced together like a mosaic piece.  Instead it is the masterpiece of glassmaker Dave Fetty from Fenton Art Glass Company.  Mr.  Fetty began his career at the gallery in 1965, perfecting his techniques through retirement age in 1998.  His talent and skills are evident in this splendid teapot.   Now he continues to teach young artists the mastery of glass making.

Apparently the teapot is an often manipulated object in computer science.  The one shown here is created by Ann Torrence.  She took numerous digital images of the same: water with bubbles in a clear glass teapot under a white strobe light.  Using Adobe Photoshop, Anne then applied various grey levels of the spectrum to assemble this one image.  In her words:  The resulting transformation of time into spectral space yields a non-realistic yet evocative approach to image-making.  I must admit I do not fully understand the technique; however, the image is spectacular. 

January 2009 my New Year’s Resolution was to follow one teapot artist’s work and rejoice in her accomplishments.  I chose Faraday Newsome who resides in the desert with her ceramic artist husband Jeff Reich.  Besides exhibiting in numerous shows throughout the year, the couple upgraded their website, joined a group of philanthropist to help museums and started a newsletter to inform us all of upcoming artsy events.

It was such an enjoyable and obtainable resolution I think I’ll repeat it for 2010.  I look forward to learning more about glass artist Elaine Hyde over the next 12 months.  I do hope you'll join me .   

These hand blown glass teapots are made by Elaine Hyde.  Glass is made of silica sand and for color metallic oxides are added.  First the base is heated and blown which is the consistency of honey; this requires continuous spinning and various tools to achieve the desired shape.  After cooling overnight, colour is added and sprayed with tin oxide; it is the degree of silver that creates the level of iridescence. Not only has Elaine mastered the technique of glass blowing, she has created some of the most magnificently designed teapots ever seen.      

There are many reasons to select tea and associated wares as a gift set.  The gift card to the recipient(s) and the chosen items in the set can easily be catered to his/her personality.  Here are just three of many options when personalizing a gift set.

1. For the health conscious friend gift card:  You are what you drink (include green, white or herbal teas)
2. For the one that schedules too many activities:  There is always time for tea (include single mug infuser)
3. For the optimist card:  With this gift, each day will blossom (include clear glass teapot with flowering tea)