San Francisco Artists Part 1

During our recent trip to San Francisco we stumbled upon a fantastic "Flea Market" on San Francisco's Treasure Island.  The Island itself has an interesting history and is claimed to be haunted...that aside, we had a great day breathing in the  Pacific air, and found some wonderful people who create wonderful things!  First off, we met Adam of Gneiss Wood.  

"While most people see driftwood on the beach as discarded, lost, or even litter, Adam hears a story.  He wonders about where the wood came from and its journey onward.  Adam is an Oakland-based artist with a love for breathing new life and energy into old wooden materials.  Adam's original work is inspired by things that open the heart--nature, poetry, mindfulness, and love." 

After finding Adam, Pierre and I agreed, we could go home happy (however, our treasures on Treasure Island didn't stop there!).  Adam's work is just gorgeous, and his spirit backs it up.  We brought back to Apotheca a beautiful collection, and all but one of his wonderful pieces have found new homes.  

(Take heart! We have placed a new order with him and should be getting it in a couple of weeks!)

Next we found another beautifully sincere soul named Scott of Origin Recycled Goods. 

Scott is perhaps the sweetest person we met in California, and hearing the story of how he started sitting at a sewing machine 

full time was great!  

 Allow me the synopsis: A while back Scott started getting serious about his footprint on this planet...among several other changes, he sold his car, and bought a bike.  Shortly after that purchase he began pedaling a whole lot, and started stock piling a collection of blown tire tubes--it felt wrong to throw them away, so he started sewing them together instead!  Before too long, he quit the job he went to college for and now sews full time.  He has a fantastic collection of wallets, ipad cases, belts, and bags.  

We are proudly featuring a sampling at Apotheca!

Thank you Scott and Adam for sharing your love with us!  

Next I'll introduce you to Lisa Inez...a super joyful individual that had all three of us mesmerized by her jewelry...here studio tagline is: 

"welcome to my little place of artful goodness".  

Need I say more?

  Well, it's Monday and I have to get some laundry done.  

Enjoy the sunshine! 

We're thrilled to be featured on Well Wed Magazine's Blog and Facebook!

Keeping Things Interesting

Change happens at Apotheca every day.  Whether it's a new customer, a new gift item, a new local artist display, or a whole new look, it sure keeps things interesting!  

 Some of you may remember these from a few years ago.

Our most recent project, the flower cooler updates, have certainly been a challenge, and we so appreciate all the interest and patience shown by our wonderful customers as they peek in at the progress and work their way around our projects!  Really, we must have the most awesome customer/friend base around! 

Stay tuned for new pictures as our updates come to a close...at least for now! 

Two Friends Meet Again

Yesterday we went to the amazing League of New Hampshire Craftsman Fair.  It is just spectacular to see so many talented people flanked by the fruits of hours and hours spent honing their craft and perfecting their art.  Something special happened while I was there  yesterday and I wanted to share it, but first some background:

When we first opened the shop, I was in search of a potter.  I prayed for a potter, someone of the earth, someone with unique wares, someone who was good--not just in craft but in spirit.

My mom and I were driving through Northwood, New Hampshire when I spied a sign that led me to the work of a Mr. Jon Zentner.  I didn't meet Jon that day, but I met his pots.  They were incredible.  So much texture, unpredictable interest, and yes, an amazing earthy quality. I was to later learn that this comes from wood firing with knowledge and fabulously intuitive technique.  

When I finally did meet Jon it was a memorable opportunity!  He was a very tall man in stature but with a gentle, humble spirit, full of peace and--for reasons I'm not sure how to articulate--he was a someone that left an impression.  His presence in a room inspired a person to be a little quieter...to think a little more...to listen better...to dig a little deeper into the clay...what ever your clay might be.  Jon Zenter died in 2008 and is missed by so many. 

So here I am, 2012 in Sunapee surrounded by beautiful things...but there is one collection of objects I just can't shake. They involve some pieces of pottery at the booth of Becca and Nathan Webb of TwoPotters. 

I had left their gorgeous display of wares, circled around a couple times, walked clear back to the opposite end of the fair, but still couldn't shake it.  Finally, credit card in hand, Cochlea and I walked back.  I had to buy one of their butter keepers.  Standing there, hemming and hawing in front of three fantastic options...a drip of glaze and fabulously messy spackle on the back of one of the pieces caught my eye..."Jon Zenter"--his name popped into my spirit.  Instantly I knew that somehow, in whatever large or small way, there was a piece of Jon in this clay.  I turned to Becca Webb, "Did you know a man named Jon Zenter."  "Yes, we did".  I didn't ask details.  

Perhaps I formed my own conclusions right or wrong about the relationship among the potters...but as I paid for the butter keeper I thought to myself, how beautiful to be an artist...you live forever. When you pour yourself openly into a love of creating, that love spills onto other people.  You share with each other through inspiration, motivation,  interpretation, evolution, etc....in one way or another your creative endeavors live on long after you are gone.  Thank you, Jon and thank you, Becca and Nathan Webb.  My Jon Zentner Syrup Keeper is so happy to have the company of TwoPotters' Butter Keeper. 

 
Two Friends meet again, this time on my shelf.

{Pax}
Alyssa

MOTHER'S DAY!

Mother's Day is fast upon us, and the shoppe is a-buzz, so don't wait too long to get your orders in!  We are happy to help you send flowers to the woman in your life - mother, mentor, care-giver! 

Coming in May - Soap Making Class!!

Have you ever wondered how to make your own Back to Basics, honest-to-goodness, handmade soap?? 

Gail Palmer of Village Soaps and Scents will teach you how!  After class, you'll bring home a bar of soap and be ready to start a new tradition!

Saturday, May 26th

10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Ages 12 and up; maximum of 8 students

$30 materials included

 

Must preregister 497.4940

More classes and events offered on our website Calendar of Events!

Marissa Girard - Gallery Featured Artist and Reception!

See the work of Goffstown's own oil artist Marissa Girard featured in our gallery for the month of March!  

Meet the artist!  

Reception Friday, March 16th from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.  

Art, Wine, Friends!

More on our website.