Jay Jasper's Blog, page 135

Name That Vase – March 2020 Edition

Hello and happy March! Welcome to the month of spring and also to my monthly feature – ‘Name that Vase’.

For those who are new to this feature, ‘Name that Vase’ is where you can suggest a name, create a story, poem or prose for this raku pottery vase. Consider this your chance to be inspired, a writing prompt or a creative cue. You can, or if you are feeling nostalgic,that started what has now become a monthly tradition for our blog and readers.

This month we have a very special vase for your naming, but first we must congratulate last month’s winner for their name and poem. Congratulations!

Old Soul

For a time I held you
Though you could not be kept.
The rush of your leaving
Left me cracked in ways that cannot
Be seen.
Do not mourn for me, for I
Know what it is to embrace
The deep where the fear of
Desire resides.

Here is our vase for March:

Please add what you think the name should be for our March vase and any associated poetry or story in the comments below. I look forward to reading all your great ideas.

If you have coronavirus on mind (as so many of us do right now) please check out this helpful post, B-B-B Bye Corona, Self-Care In The Time of Pandemic.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss out on knowing which name we have chosen for the vase and to keep up to date on other happenings in the studio!

Setting A Sunday Intention

May we each live from a centred and connected place, bringing a light heart pointed toward joy.

Namaste. I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light and of peace.

Image and quote from my most recent book, A Potter’s Dream: Myths & Legends

I hope you have a beautiful day.

You are invited to subscribe to our newsletter should it resonate with you.

Name That Vase – March 2020 Edition

Hello and happy March! Welcome to the month of spring and also to my monthly feature – ‘Name that Vase’.

For those who are new to this feature, ‘Name that Vase’ is where you can suggest a name, create a story, poem or prose for this raku pottery vase. Consider this your chance to be inspired, a writing prompt or a creative cue. You can, or if you are feeling nostalgic,that started what has now become a monthly tradition for our blog and readers.

This month we have a very special vase for your naming, but first we must congratulate last month’s winner for their name and poem. Congratulations!

Old Soul

For a time I held you
Though you could not be kept.
The rush of your leaving
Left me cracked in ways that cannot
Be seen.
Do not mourn for me, for I
Know what it is to embrace
The deep where the fear of
Desire resides.

Here is our vase for March:

Please add what you think the name should be for our February vase and any associated poetry or story in the comments below. I look forward to reading all your great ideas.

If you have coronavirus on mind (as so many of us do right now) please check out this helpful post, B-B-B Bye Corona, Self-Care In The Time of Pandemic.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss out on knowing which name we have chosen for the vase and to keep up to date on other happenings in the studio!

B-B-B-Bye Corona – Self Care In the Time of Pandemic

Hello from Canada! I don’t know about you, but I feel like I am now in some sort of apocalypse type movie. Yesterday we found out that our Prime Minister’s wife now has the coronavirus and that he himself is self isolating. People are buying enough toilet paper to build an addition to their house. And then you have the best and brightest of capitalism reselling and price gouging things like face masks, hand sanitizer and yes toilet paper, preventing those who are immunocomprised or elderly from getting necessary items.

This accompanied with data from the virus has people anxious and worried, and rightfully so. Social distancing is the new buzz word to protect one’s self and the vulnerable.

The reality is that as individuals we can’t do much to tackle the virus as a whole, but we each have a unique opportunity to be a helpful drop in the bucket that is part of the solution and not the problem. I have compiled a few ideas and tips that you may or may not find helpful.

Be Prepared, Not Scared

I think it is important for people to have a reasonable supply of food and necessities for their family. I would suggest the following items – cold and flu meds – just in case, cleaning supplies, soap, enough food for a few weeks, maybe some new books, games or music or some other sort of diversion in case you need to self isolate, toiletries and a couple packs of toilet paper.

Please for heavens sake – DO NOT PANIC buy! Keep in mind that there are vulnerable populations who also need supplies but are only able to finance their purchases from week to week.

Your Body, Your Temple

At times like this, we are reminded about the imperanence of human life and the fact that we only have one body, so take care of it. Now is a great time to practice a little more self care for that body.

Make sure you are getting enough sleep, consider taking a multivitamin supplement, try to eat healthy and find ways to get in some physical activity. You don’t have to give up your regular gym routines. Youtube is a wonderful playground of exercise activities. There are many great workout videos that require no equipment.

It’s all about perspective. The stronger and healthier you are, the less likely there will be a siginificant impact on you, even if you get the corona virus.

Needless to say, wash your hands! I have taken to making up lyrics to this song below, adding in B-B-B-Byyyye Corona as I watch the suds (and any germs) circle the drain!

Mind Matters

For people who struggle with mental health issues like anxiety, depression or PTSD this can be a particularly challenging time and we all have our own ways of dealing with things. Here are a few suggestions that help me as I go through many different feelings and emotions regarding this situation.

Be as prepared as you can (see the first two tips above).Ensure that you have some virtual social supports, people you can call or chat with online.Don’t be afraid to talk about what you are feeling. You are not alone, it is likely others are feeling similar things and sometimes the act of speaking your fears can make them less.When accessing information about the coronavirus ensure it is accurate and fact check if necessary.Find ways to keep busy. Read a new book(s), cuddle with pets (dogs and cats are immune by the way), take up a new hobby you have been putting off or focus on an existing one. If you have the technology consider online social gatherings. Binge watch Netflix! Take time to practise self care, take a nice warm bath, light some candles, meditate, and get in some physical activity. Now is a good time to release happy exercise endorphins.Try not to read some of the atrocious comments on social media. It’s not okay to wish illness on anyone and reading such comments can’t be great for one’s mental health. And don’t forget to laugh when you can!

Be Kind

If you are able to help people who are self isolating, the elderly or vulnerable now is a great time to do so. Ask an elderly neighbour if you can pick them up anything at the store if you are going. Call and check in on those who are vulnerable (virtually). Don’t panic buy and share with others in need if you have an abundance of something.

If you see someone struggling online or in real life with dealing with this virus help where you can. A smile (from a distance) or a kind comment can alter the course of someone’s day.

Ultimately it is in situations like this that we decide what kind of world we want to live in. I am choosing a kinder one. One that is kind to myself and those around me. I hope you will choose this world too.

If you want to panic buy something, I have plenty of books in stock of ‘A Potter’s Dream: Myths & Legends’. It’s a nice read and you can buy as many as you like and the best news is everyone will still have toilet paper! For the duration of the pandemic, I am offering it at a discounted price of $23/US, inclusive of delivery in Canada and the US. It’s also cheaper then what some people reselling toilet paper are charging, but don’t get any ideas!

You can stay up to date on all of our new creations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Spring Among The Trees

With spring on it’s way, I am looking forward to seeing buds coming on the trees and the birds returning. It won’t be long now.

When thinking of cycles of spring and rebirth, the Tree of Life always comes to mind.

The tree of life is prevalent in the mythologies of the world. It is
considered to be a symbol of creation and interconnectedness. Common
roots of our world family can be found in this concept, and not just in
some far off ancient texts.

For my first solo art exhibition, ‘Myth of Family’, I created a sculptural piece honouring this mystical tree.

Raku Sculpture – Tree of Life

It is a theme I like to explore in my work. You may recall a previous work I did by this name, which is now one of the windows in my studio.

‘Tree of Life’ – Beach Glass Window

The world needs trees. It is a delicate balance of interconnected organisms on a scale that I feel is beyond our imagining. Living beings on this planet, including microbes and plants work together in unexpected ways.

Raku Tree Jewelry – available for $23

The Tree of Life, and many other artworks are explored in depth in my recent book A Potter’s Dream: Myths & Legends. The book collects stories across cultures and centuries, adapting them to my pottery with wit, love, compassion and joy. “A Potter’s Dream: Myths and Legends” is a decidedly modern take on the traditional topics of pottery, healing, community – and what it means to be human – all interwoven with the magic of raku and stunning pottery. It is available here for $25.

Perhaps people are not unlike this too. Why would we be an exception? The choices I make here may have a ripple effect, more prominently on those closest, but ripples can reach out far and wide. I do believe we are all interconnected in ways we can not understand.

Spring always reminds me of this fact. What do you most love about spring?

You can stay up to date on all of our new creations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

On The Wheel Wednesday

It’s raining and the snow is receding here on Canada’s East Coast. The approach of spring has me making these:

We need some new planters in the house for our growing plants.

Are you as excited about spring as I am? What do you think of my new plant pot?

You can stay up to date on all of our new creations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Happy March 10!

Hope you are having an awesome day.

God is a Woman

This vase tells the tale of an exceptional deity among the pantheons of ancient gods. Amaterasu is one of the few female solar gods. Her full name means ‘Great Divinity Illuminating Heaven’ and she is one of the principal gods in the Shinto religion. You can check out another vase inspired by a sun god here.

Amaterasu – Raku Pottery Vase

You can see more images of the raku pottery vase Amaterasu here.

Here we tell one of the more interesting stories of this great beauty that involve her petulant and mischievous brother, Susanoo, a defiled crafting room, a goddess in hiding, 800 plotting gods, more roosters than Colonel Saunders would know what to do with, a partial strip tease and a clever trick.

Susanoo must have been going through his teenager years in this story, because he was out of control, messing with the rice fields, and his sister’s home. Amaterasu had finally had enough when he decided to throw a flayed horse into her weaving hall. Apparently she took her craft pretty seriously, so she decided to hide in a cave.

This of course presented a problem. I did mention that Amaterasu was the Shinto sun god. Things got pretty dark at this point in the story, with the world being plunged into darkness and all. This was such a big problem that 800 myriads of gods got together to sort out a solution to coax Amaterasu out of the cave.

Can you imagine 800 myriads of gods searching for roosters? The gods assembled all the cocks they could find in front of the cave and propped up a mirror and some jewelry in front of the cave. Another goddess, Amenouzume wanted to get the crowd of gods going, so she turned over a tub to act as her impromptu stage, partially disrobed and started dancing.

Amaterasu – Raku Pottery Vase, Details

The gods were delighted to see the show and were laughing and having a good time, and Amaterasu was puzzled as to how everyone could be so happy while the world was in darkness.

To complete their plan, the gods told Amaterasu that there was a god more illustrious and beautiful than she was outside of the cave. Both shocked and curious, she peaked outside of the cave and is if on cue, all those roosters started to crow, and then she saw her reflection in the mirror and was thus lured out of the cave.

Amaterasu – Raku Pottery Vase

Amaterasu, there is no god or vase more beautiful than you. If you want to find out and check out more vases and their stories, you can do so here. What do you think of this vase and story?

Special

Sometimes a particular vase grabs me and I just have to keep it for myself.

This is one of those special vases.

Might you have a particular special item in your home that you keep just for you? If so, what is it?

Stay up to date on all of our creations, project, exhibits and special offers by joining our community and subscribing to our newsletter here.

Finding My Zen Place

I am on a healing journey, and I think many of us are in one way or another. I have heard it said that it is useful to think of one’s self as a tree. Grounded by roots, with a firm centre/core and flexible branches that can bend with the wind.

In the last month, as part of my healing journey, I have taken up yoga, which I believe helps us to become more tree-like.

Yoga is not for everyone, and rest assured I am not the most flexible person, but I have already noticed a slight improvement. I have also noticed that as easy as yoga may ‘appear’ to the casual observer that it is also provides a really good work out with lots of health benefits, both mental and physical.

I have not become a yoga expert quite yet, but fortunately I have a great teacher to help me master my downward dog posture.

I have found that yoga is a great way to relax, de-stress and unwind in create some peace of mind. I feel fortunate to have found an additional activity that helps me deal with my PTSD, like throwing on the pottery wheel does. You can read more about that in my blog post ‘How Pottery Helped my PTSD.

If you are looking for a little wearable talisman to bring a little more zen into your life, be sure to check out our jewelry pieces like the ones below here.

Need a little more sen in your life? Check out our raku Buddha pendants!Galactic Baby YodaJade Baby YodaGalactic Baby Yoda has gone to a new home, but Jade Baby Yoda is still available to teach you the ‘Jedi’ ways!

What kind of activities do you find beneficial for your self care and helping to foster inner peace?