Pottery Title “Elevated Hearts”
This pottery was commissioned as a wedding gift for Greg and Elizabeth Spratley, who will wed this July in the pine-covered mountains near Alta Ski Lodge in Utah.
I have never met this loving couple directly, but as I have worked clay for their pottery piece, I have thought a lot about the kind of hearts they must have as I have read over my detailed notes and looked through pictures of their adventurous lives. These two hearts have gone on many journeys both together and apart that have defined their core and brought them to this unifying moment. These life ventures have been slow and reflective, not like for some, who sprint to their destinations without taking the time to appreciate and learn from the view. I can relate to this, it also took me 4 1/2 years to marry my love…I think the quote, “Not all that wander are lost” perfectly describes this phenomenon. There are folks in this world that don’t live by a watch but follow their own pace to their self-guided compass which seems to make the journey more fulfilling and beautiful. I think it very symbolic and suiting that these two should find their way to each other in such an elevated and serene location in the mountains of Utah... Four years ago, I lay in a hospital bed watching the heart rate of my unborn son plummet then drastically rise until the doctor’s were able to safely deliver him. During this vivid moment, I recall looking at those high and low lines on the monitor and thinking how they reminded me of the peaks and valleys of those gorgeous mountains I lovingly live beside. Now when I stare at the mountain ridges silhouetted against the sky I am reminded how this fragile life can have such heartbreaking lows and then how it can regain strength and thrive. Our hearts deal with a lot in this life and with every beat we are given, we should seek out beauty and most importantly love. Congrats to Greg and Elizabeth for elevating their hearts with adventure and love, it will make all the difference.
Janelle Call Davis
Pottery Title: “Bliss”
This pottery piece is a commission gift from Sam and Ally Chacon to two truly happy souls,
Tom and Tina, in celebration of their wedding. Their special day was sprinkled with snowy
flower petals and illuminated with golden sparklers at twilight all while being surrounded with
laughter and love. The wedding took place at the serene California venue of Park Winters Inn,
which holds a blend of open country fields and historic wineries. While great planning was taken
to make this magical moment simply perfect, what made this day the most memorable was the
genuine love that was felt between these two joyful hearts. Congrats Tom and Tina! Though
the sparklers’ swirling light and flowers’ bloom has dissipated, may you always carry the beauty
of that incredible time with you as you journey into more beauty and bliss as a family.
-Janelle Call Davis
Pottery Title: “I Love You to the Moon
and Back”
This pottery was commissioned to
celebrate the wedding anniversary of Colonel Len Moon and his devoted wife Dee
Moon.
While the title of this pottery is
definitely a play on words and names, it also depicts the immense love that
these two souls have for each other and for their God, and country. Both Len
and Dee have spent their married lives serving, Len or “Bud” spent 30 years in
the Air Force as a fighter pilot while Dee made the tremendous sacrifices that
only a military spouse understands. Dee
diligently relocated her family whenever orders came to move (there were over
35 homes), anxiously waited for her sweetheart to return from war, and even
delivered some of their children while Bud was away. Their children are their greatest
accomplishments and are symbolically represented on this pottery as the four
stars. This amazing couple has also
spent many years serving God through various welfare and service missions. Both of these commitments of service have
taken Bud and Dee all over the world.
Though they have spent much time and distance away from the United
States, they will always have a heart for their home and origins in Utah. The purple mountains on this vessel are a
symbol of this constant Utah connection that this couple will continually have.
Another notable venture of service that
this couple shared together was during the 2002 winter Olympics in Utah, where
they were able to assist with cross country ski events and also be a part of
the torch running experience. Among the
carvings on this pot, there is a torch revealing this once in a life time
moment. The last image depicted on this
anniversary pottery that reflects the love of Bud and Dee are the roses. The kind of love that this couple has
together is strong and committed. True hearts
as these two have, learn early in their lives how to give such goodness. One example of love for Bud came from his own
father. Bud’s father worked with his
hands to make a living and one of his many jobs was at a flower store. At the end of the work day, there were always
extra roses left over that could not be sold because their petals were flawed
or they were too short. Rather than
throwing these “imperfect” flowers away, Bud’s father would lovingly bring them
home to his sweetheart. There was always
a vase of flowers in their home, a constant symbol of love. Bud learned how to have this same kind of
tenderness for Dee by following the example of his parents’ love. Bud and Dee’s love is inspiring. This couple knows that mere words of
admiration aren’t enough; to show one’s love one must act. These individuals show their love through
countless acts of service and sacrifice.
They have served their country, God, and each other to the moon and back
because they have great passion for them.
Thank you for your example of truly giving to and endlessly serving the
things that you love in life. Happy Anniversary, may you celebrate many more
years of love together.
Gallery Show @ Union Station In Ogden, Utah
Exhibition dates: August 7th-September 1st
For more info visit:
http://theunionstation.org/art-gallerys/gallery-at-the-station/
My current works in clay represent different souls whose
lives reflect beauty through charity, hard work, love, openness, selflessness,
devotion, simplicity, and wisdom.
I am
proud of each of my art pieces not for the way they are sculpted or for their
colors, but for the beautiful lives that they represent.
Each of these pots reminds me that I am
surrounded by beauty and love.
Pottery Title: “Gram’s Yellow Bliss”
This pottery is inspired by my Gram. She became very quiet at the end of her life,
but still would speak up if God’s beauty filled her.
One of the first times I turned something I read from a novel
into a life philosophy was when I was 16 years old reading the book
The Color Purple.
When I read about how it pleases God when we
notice beauty like purple flowers growing in a field, I decided that I better
pay more attention to life and to the gifts that God has created for me.
My Gram became a quiet soul at the end of her
life.
At times her silence saddened me
because I felt like she had gained great knowledge over her time spent in this
life and that she should spill her wisdom upon anyone who came in contact with
her and yet she remained reserved.
While
driving Gram to the care center one spring afternoon, I found myself scrambling
for words to strike up an idle conversation with my mute grandmother.
With all of my efforts, Gram delivered short
one word answers to my inquiries, stifling any back and forth banter that I was
trying to generate.
Gram seemed to be
comfortable in the quiet space surrounding us so I let the moment become still.
As we peacefully drove together, we passed by
a brilliant yellow forsythia bush growing by an iron gate.
In this beautiful instant, my Gram opened up
and began talking about how she admired forsythia and how they woke her up from
the winter’s gray life into the cheerful blossoms of yellow spring.
After this verbal delivery, Gram drew silent
once again, leaving me to soak in her deliberate words.
From
her selective silence, I learned that my Gram wasn’t losing her mind but rather
she was saving her thoughts and spoken words for truly important moments.
Gram knew how to appreciate her creator’s
fine craftsmanship with perfect timing, making those moments of admiration even
more meaningful.
I am trying my hand at
speaking with real intentions rather than just filling the universe with empty
conversations, idle texts, or negative tweets, which has been quite a challenge.
I need to remember that there is beauty in
stillness and by slowing my words and actions I might truly have a voice and I
might hear the real conversation that life wants me to listen to.
Pottery
Title: “Calla Lily For CoCo”
This
pottery is inspired by Nancy Rutledge.
At the
close of a beautiful summer wedding; family and friends were encouraged to take
the flower arrangements home with them after the celebration so that they could
be enjoyed further. I remember Nancy
holding calla lilies in her hand with a smile on her face. As we embraced to say goodbye I recall her
saying, “My mother will truly enjoy these flowers”. Nancy’s mom was named Cora, but most of us
lovingly called her CoCo. Dear CoCo was
nearing one hundred years old at this time, though she never looked her age due
to the fact that her children and grandchildren took such good care of
her. Nancy played a huge role in giving
care to CoCo, attending to her every need and always making sure her mother
remained the classy woman that she deserved to be even near the end of her
life. I will never forget the beautiful
image of Nancy taking her mother aside and lovingly reapplying lipstick to her…Beautiful
CoCo’s lips were always adorned with make-up…As I hugged Nancy and the calla
lilies at the wedding, I remember thinking that even when Nancy is away from
her mom, she always has her mind on CoCo.
I know that since CoCo’s passing, it has been hard for Nancy to adjust
to no longer being a caregiver to her mother, but she has found peace by caring
for other loved ones. Thank you Nancy
for having the kind of heart that loves unconditionally to the end.
Pottery Title: “Bear Lake Memories”
This pottery is inspired by Madeline, a close family friend
that is considered more like family.
As a child, I was told not to stare, but there was one
problem with this courteous request: I
love to people watch. There is something
intriguing about how people move and interact that I can’t seem to pull my eyes
from. One particular individual that I
could watch for hours is my friend Madeline.
She moves and speaks with detailed intent at her own unique pace and she
is able to make great things happen. I
have attended and enjoyed many wonderful events that have been flawlessly
planned by this considerate woman.
Madeline knows how to give attention to detail, which makes things and
moments truly special. A few years ago I
was able to finally understand why I appreciate Madeline’s mannerisms so
much. Madeline had planned a family
gathering at her cabin in Bear Lake and invited me and my husband to
attend. While kids played and family
visited, I watched Madeline busy herself in the kitchen preparing a delicious
meal for the family. There were a lot of
mouths to feed which required many dishes to be prepared, yet Madeline made
sure that each individual serving was just right. It was easy to see that she
prepared everything with love for her family.
At this moment in the kitchen with Madeline, I was reminded of my own
grandmother who also had a home in Bear Lake and who also took her time to make
moments special. I suddenly remembered
sunflowers, the beautiful view of the bluish-green lake, the smell of pancakes
and warm syrup, watching my grandmother thoughtfully cook in the kitchen, so
many wonderful memories… Quiet tears
came to my eye when I realized that Madeline was meticulously creating
perfection for her loved ones to enjoy. I looked around at the adults in the room who
were happily visiting with one another and the children who were playfully
engaged in games and I thought to myself, “This moment will one day be a fond
memory for all of these family members and the one responsible for it is that
beautiful woman who is carefully dishing out freshly cut fruit in the
kitchen”. I hope the next time we gather
Madeline understands why I lovingly watch her.
I hope she understands that I am appreciating her efforts and soaking in
the wonderful experiences that she creates.
Pottery Title: “My Lawn!!!”
This pottery is inspired by my son Wyatt, who loves blowing
dandelions.
My son and I have an obsession with Neverland.
For Wyatt, I think his fixation on this
fictional place stems from the idea of pirates and lost boys dueling great
battles in an enchanted realm.
My
fascination for Neverland recently came to be after I became a mother.
For me, I became drawn to the idea of never growing
up as I have watched my darling infant grow into an independent boy.
This phase in my child’s life is so magical
and I find myself trying to hold on so tight to every minute of it.
We read books about Peter Pan and his band of
rowdy lost boys in an effort to conjure the essence of long lasting youth, but
alas my little explorer seems to keep on maturing away from his toddler
features.
I am beginning to except that
venturing to the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning will not
stop my son from growing up, but I may be able to prolong his adventurous
spirit with the way I parent.
If you
want to know what kind of mother I am to my children, just look at my
lawn.
My little boy delights in blowing
dandelions.
The first time he
encountered these billowing weeds he smiled a gaping smile and when he realized
that he could send these seeds sailing across the lawn with a simple breath,
his eyes lit up with the purest joy I have ever seen.
At this euphoric moment in my child’s life I
decided to join him in his happy discovery rather than discourage him from propagating
noxious weeds all over the grass.
My
goal is for my children to be smart, respectful, and responsible, but I also
want them to seize creative moments and live their imaginations to the
fullest.
I have found that when we,
children and adults, climb into our imaginations and revel in blissful moments,
we all rekindle our youthful hearts which is where Neverland truly
resides.
So for my neighbors and folks
who visit our home, please forgive the oversized cardboard boxes and dandelions
in our unsightlty yard, we’ve been discovering Neverland.
Pottery Title: “Reunion”
This pottery is inspired my mother-in-law, MarRae Davis, who
knows how to live a quality life.
The day Tim, my future husband met me; he had read a fortune
cookie that said, “Treat yourself to something of quality”…Tim always flatters
me when he says that his wise and revelatory cookie is the reason he asked me
out. While the fortune cookie is a fun
part of our origins, Tim truly learned about finding and pursuing quality in
his life from his mother. MarRae is a
seeker of quality. She sips her diet
coke from champagne glasses, finds the very best seating at restaurants and
movie theatres, adorns herself with beautiful lipstick even if nobody but
herself will see it, doesn’t make bucket-lists because she lives for the moment
of now, butters her toast all the way to the edges of the crust, surrounds her
home with cheerful flowers and décor to lift her spirits, and isn’t afraid to
speak up when she sees that something could be improved. From MarRae I have learned that you shouldn’t
cower from living a good life nor apologize for trying to make your existence
better. Thanks to her example I am
learning how to stand up for myself more and how to reward myself with little things
that bring me joy. MarRae knows her great worth and lives a dignified life that
reveals her value. I have found that
when one knows and appreciates their own worth, they are able to help others to
see the quality within themselves too.
MarRae truly knows how to convey to others how valuable they are and she
is extremely gifted at giving others the quality that they deserve. She is like an industrious mother bird,
continually building the perfect nest for herself and the lives of her family. Because of her efforts, MarRae has been able
to raise confident children and grandchildren that know their own worth and are
able to make great accomplishments in this world. It is an exceptionally powerful feeling when
all of MarRae’s children fly back to the nest… In these reuniting moments, I
know that MarRae is able to soak in the goodness which is her life.
Pottery Title: “Beauty on the Path”
This pottery is inspired by Dave Rogers who was a neighbor
and friend of mine during my awkward young adult years. His simple advice for me spoke to my heart
during a very impressionable time and resonates with me still.
You never know what words you will utter that will speak to
another person’s heart…It came in the mail, another letter of rejection: “Thank you for submitting your art
portfolio, but it does not fit with the vision that we have for our exhibit…” I was heartbroken...This wasn’t the first
rejection I had received; there had been other letters kindly declining art
scholarships, gallery exhibitions, and positions in art festivals. I knew that I had a passion within me to
create, but I didn’t yet know where or if my creativity had a place in the
world. Like many other individuals, my
young adult years weren’t the easiest times for me. Not knowing who I was completely and yet
trying to carve a niche for myself in this world was tough. I’m sure that my neighbor Dave’s inquiring
was simply polite conversation, but the day he asked me “What plans I had for
my future” I uncontrollably unloaded my disappointment on him. Sensing my
sadness, Dave quickly related his own experience with facing rejection and an
unknown future in an earlier part of his own life. He expressed how this life
is a journey and that at times we are divinely sent in another direction from
our intended destination and that we can find joy and beauty on the new
path. For Dave, his career and
educational goals changed during his life’s journey which gave him the
opportunity focus on his family. On
Dave’s path, he discovered the great beauty of his two amazing daughters. While hiking a trail in Bountiful one day, I
ventured onto a new passage that I hadn’t crossed before. To my surprise, this path was covered with
beautiful columbine flowers, a flower I had yet to encounter before. In that moment, I remembered Dave’s advice
about finding good things along new paths.
I am ever mindful of Dave’s wise words even now as I navigate through
this life. I am happy to say that I have
found goodness and acceptance in my journey.
Thanks to Dave, I am more optimistic about detours that I cross in my
life because I know that my fate will discover beauty along the way.
Pottery Title: “Laugh Until You Snort”
This pottery is inspired by a great and joyful educator,
Laurie Jacobs, who lives every day as if she was happily strolling on a
beach.
I love to hear laughter; I particularly love to hear unique
laughs.
For those that know my friend
Laurie Jacobs, you are familiar with her fantastic laugh because she is always
giggling.
For those that haven’t had the
pleasure of hearing her delightful chortles, let me briefly describe it…
Laurie’s laugh starts in her happy eyes and
works her way into a glad chuckle that then escalates into stronger laughter
which inevitably is followed by a snort or two.
The best thing about this laugh is the reaction that Laurie has
following her snort; she always covers her mouth as if she is surprised by such
a sound.
Her laugh is simply the best!
In addition to her great laugh, Laurie is an
incredible teacher and educational leader.
What makes her so good in this realm of her life is the same component
that makes her laughter so wonderful.
This component is her joyful energy.
Laurie delights in learning new things and sharing them with students
and other teachers.
Laurie also soaks in
the happy enthusiasm that her school children share with her.
All these things create the happy-go-lucky
spirit that Laurie is.
I was once told
by a doctor that I should envision a beautifully calm beach when I am
encountered with worry or anxiety.
For
me, this ocean side imagery stirs the thought of sharks, pooping seagulls, and
sunscreen in my eyes but I can see how the ebb and flow of the sea can bring
happiness to others.
I think Laurie is
the kind of person that can delight in the thought of ocean and sand.
For Laurie, the phrase, “Life is a beach” fits
perfectly with her positive attitude and loving heart.
I selected the Guaria Morada orchid to
overlook the swirling blue and green currents of the ocean on this pottery
because it is the national flower of Costa Rica, a place that Laurie holds dear
to her heart. Costa Rica is the place where she goes to recharge her happiness
and it must work because she always comes back from her retreats smiling. I
will always owe Laurie for mentoring me on how to be a joyful person regardless
of the situation and for helping me bring that joy to students as I teach.
Thank you for your laughing spirit Laurie, it
always brings a laugh or smile to the people around you.
Pottery Title: “Living in the Light”
This pottery is inspired by my beautiful friend Lexi, who is
an incredible mother to her children and a powerful example to me.
Lexi is the kind of beautiful person that takes your breath
away when you see her; she is gorgeous!
Once you get to know her, you realize that her beauty is deep within her
too. When I first met Lexi she had two
young and adorable kiddos that followed her wherever she went. Lexi is about to have her fifth child and her
crew of kids still follow her wherever she goes…Her children adore her… There is strength inside of Lexi that helped
me to overcome some of my anxieties regarding motherhood. I have to admit that at times I can be a
cynic about the future and I had great fear about bringing children into such
an uncertain world. Lexi’s optimism and
faith in the unknown brought hope to my doubtful heart and gave me courage to
trust life and all of its outcomes. I
remember she once spoke to me about how her growing up years were dark and that
her goal is to have her life now and the lives of her own family be filled with
light. I love that a soul like this who
has had hard times in life is able to brush herself off and try again and again
and again. Lexi reminds me of Ruth
Gordon’s character “Maude” in the film, Harold
and Maude, she is one of the greatest cheerleaders for life spelling out L-I-V-E at the top of her
joyful lungs. Lexi’s family is represented
on this pottery piece as an elegant orchid plant with each of the blossoms
signifying a family member of those alive and those yet to be born. Orchid plants are exciting to watch as each
blossom gradually unfolds its beauty at an individual rate into the light and
warmth of life. I know that the family
that Lexi has created lives in and will continue to live in the light that her
heart aspired to thrive in. As each of
these wonderful blossoms opens their beauty to life, it reminds me to LIVE.
photo by: Cascio Photography
Pottery Title: “A Walk for your Thoughts”
This pottery is inspired by Danette Anderson, a soul that
seeks simplicity and peace and finds it in her daily walks.
While driving home on highway 89 one spring evening, I was
stopped at a red light on Nicholls Road.
While waiting impatiently at the stoplight, I noticed a splendid
sight. The sun was just setting in the
west and the sky was lit up in the most incredible light. In front of this sunlight walked the
silhouette of a person. For just a few
moments the shape of that silhouette beautifully broke up the sun’s glimmering orange
and yellow rays which made an amazing visual display. I uttered the word, “beautiful” as I watched
this view. Looking into the sun I could
barely see any detail of this silhouette but that quickly changed as the
silhouetted pedestrian crossed in front of my car. As this person came closer to me I began to
recognize her features and realized that it was my dear friend Danette. Now knowing the silhouetted figure I again
uttered the word, “beautiful” as I watched her continue on her walk. I couldn’t bring myself to honk my horn or
holler out a hello from my car window because I was too touched in that moment
by the beauty I saw and felt. From a distance I was simply admiring a radiant
view but the recognition of that familiar beautiful friend is what held me
captive in that instant. I met Danette
at a time when I was trying to make peace with God again and trying to calm an
anxious body and mind. Danette never
questioned my intentions or judged my situation, but rather offered love to me
and my family. Danette is a pursuer of
simplicity and finds it by surrounding herself with young children, embracing
basic but profound elements of the Gospel, and taking reflective long walks to
clear her mind. In her own efforts to
obtain simplicity, she has helped me to see that simple means are where I will
find peace. For me, Danette will always
be that simple yet beautiful silhouette walking in the light of God.
Pottery Title: “Bridge Back to Love”
This pottery is inspired by Marty Christensen, my second
father.
It all started with potato salad…When I first encountered
Marty, it wasn’t directly. I was having dinner at my dad’s house when I noticed
the most gorgeous and delectable bowl of potato salad on the table. When I say, “bowl” I really should say, “vat”
because there was easily 16 pounds of potatoes, pickles, and hard-boiled eggs
swimming in yellow goodness. The meal
that evening was exceptionally delightful, my dad isn’t a bad cook, but this
incredible food was obviously not of his creation. When I asked about the origin of our dinner
my dad proceeded to tell me that a good friend of his named Marty Christensen
had heard that we were getting together for dinner and he prepared all the food
for the occasion. My dad’s eyes were lit
up in a very happy manner and the food was so good that I told my dad that I’d
like to meet this “Marty” character.
This chapter in our lives happened 11 years ago. Since this time, I have learned firsthand
that Marty has a heart of gold and that he prepares all of his amazing food in
lunch lady portions that would feed an entire football stadium of people. My life and the lives of my entire family
have never been the same since Marty came into the picture. Before Marty, I felt as if I had two separate
families (my mom’s family and my dad’s family); it had been this way since my
parents divorced when I was nine. While
my parents were amicable with each other after their divorce, it wasn’t
comfortable or loving, but I will credit them for trying. Looking back on parent teacher conferences, my
sisters’ weddings, and other events that required the whole family to gather, I
recall my parents coming together with painted on smiles for the sake of their
children. I know this wasn’t easy but I
appreciated their efforts to give us a “normal’ family life. The first time that my mom met Marty, the ice
on our complicated family situation began to melt and the segmented lines began
to reconnect. Marty became the solid
bridge that joined my split family back together. With all of his thoughtful and loving efforts,
Marty has brought love and life back to my family. Some outsiders have looked
at my family dynamic with confusion and questions, but all I can tell them is
that there is so much love surrounding us that nothing else needs to be
explained. I think the quote, “Love is
love” perfectly defines our lives together. I have watched my parents share meals with one
another on holidays, stand together for family pictures, take cruise vacations
together, and even embrace each other in a loving hug of friendship. When I see these uniting things between my
parents, I feel whole, and I know that it is all because of Marty.
Potte
ry Title: "Tomatoes for the Widows"
This pottery is inspired by Charlie Hubbert, who is one of the
strongest examples of service that I know.
When my husband and I were dating I recall a conversation
that we had about our beliefs.
Regarding
religion, my husband told me that above all things he believed in the lyrics of
a Don Williams song, “I don’t believe that heaven waits for only those who
congregate”.
The moment he recited these
words, my mind was instantly drawn back to a childhood memory.
It was very hot the summer of my thirteenth
year and our old house was like a furnace.
Not knowing how to make repairs on a cooling system for our home nor
having the money to do so, my single mom just told us to strip down to our
unders and eat
endless amounts of popsicles
to remedy the heat problem.
As soon as
our family friend, Charlie Hubbert found out about our plight, he showed up at
our door barefooted with tools and a window air conditioning unit.
As Charlie left our newly air conditioned
home, I remember my mom saying, “That wonderful man is going straight to heaven”.
Charlie isn’t the kind of man that would ever
quote scripture or tell anyone how to live their lives better.
Charlie attends church services from time to
time, but extends his religion more to shoveling snow off of a neighbor’s
sidewalk or taking tomatoes to lonely widows.
Quite often Charlie’s name comes up when my husband and I are
formulating the structure for our family’s beliefs.
Our focus isn’t on the kind of prayers that
are said or how often church is attended, but it is centered on how we can be
true to our hearts and giving to others.
This is something we learned from Charlie’s example… While some piously
pray in churches to reach God, Charlie will reach his Nirvana by serving
others.
Pottery
Title: The Geography of L-O-V-E
This
pottery was created as a gift for the first anniversary of Nelson and
Jeme’. While I don’t know this couple
directly, I am inspired by their wedding story. This loving couple celebrated
their vows on the coast of Jenner California where the Russian River meets the
Pacific Ocean. While I was researching
this location, I learned that this type of shoreline area is referred to as an
“estuary”. Because this habitat offers
the nutrients and sediments of both salt and fresh water, estuaries are viewed
as one of the most productive natural environments in the world. From a geographic perspective I am intrigued
by the thought of such a thriving setting, but I am equally drawn to the idea
of this area’s symbolism. I love
thinking about the surge of fresh waters spilling into the vast beauty of the
endless ocean…In this place life thrives.
In my mind I can see these loving souls as tributaries flowing toward a
uniting point where their individual experiences and hearts can join and
contribute to a more vast and endless force…In this place life thrives…
KSL Article About the Giving Earth Project
Artist honors volunteer with unique piece of art
February 6, 2015
LAYTON — As Janelle Call Davis sifted
through submissions to her Giving Earth Project, former federal special
agent Christopher DeSantis’ story of working with veterans “just
clicked.”
“He signed up with this group to help veterans, because I think he can
relate to the background that they have,” Davis said. “You’ve got
soldiers coming home that have seen things that the rest of us are lucky
enough that we haven’t had to see but we’re blessed because there’s
people out there who are willing to go and fight the hard fight for us.
And I think he’s just trying to find peace now in his life, and it seems
like he is… he’s able to help these veterans find their peace and find a
new way to adapt to what their circumstances are now.”
Davis started the Giving Earth Project last March.
She is a stay-at-home mother, but wanted to reach outside of her home
and recognize someone for the good they are doing out in the world. As a
ceramic artist, she decided she could honor one of these people with a
piece of art about their story.
“I don’t think volunteers do this for accolades, I think they do it because they’re trying to put good out there,” she said.
She was looking for anyone, really. Her flexible criteria included
active volunteers and “someone who’s continually baking meat loaf for
the neighborhood when they’re sick.”
More than 30 people submitted suggestions for recognition, Davis said.
“I spent a lot of time crying, to be honest. I knew I would get that
because you’re asking for people’s stories of goodness and you’re
getting it. It’s like honey, how wonderful all of these bits of goodness
are coming together.”
Davis ended up choosing to recognize DeSantis, a retired federal special
agent. Since his retirement, he has spent his time working with
veterans in climbing and kayaking programs with the Salt Lake County
Parks and Adaptive Recreation, the VA and Team River Runner.
DeSantis, who said he has experienced PTSD, has found peace in nature,
and enjoys sharing his passion for it with veterans in adaptive
programs. During the summer, he is gone for weeks at a time, kayaking
and climbing all over Utah and the Grand Canyon.
“The whole climbing, kayaking, escaping into nature thing really brought
me back from kinda the brink of madness,” DeSantis said. “Spending so
much time in federal law enforcement, you see the worst of everything in
life and people. Guys in the military, they sign up and they do it for
four years, six years, but people in law enforcement do it for 10, 15,
20 years.”
The vessel Davis made echoes his story. She says her artwork is supposed
to be a narrative, and this one, tells of DeSantis’ love of nature,
including the red rocks of Southern Utah and the Quaking Aspens found in
Utah’s mountains.
“(It’s) a collection of his favorite things from nature and how it brings him peace,” she said of the finished vessel.
The recognition came as a surprise to DeSantis, who said he didn’t feel
he was the person who deserved it. He was nominated by Susie Shroer, the
adaptive program coordinator at Salt Lake County Recreation and was
presented the gift Monday.
“To be nominated by someone like Susie. I just don’t get it,” he said.
“She’s like the purest, most selfless soul I think I’ve ever met. She
dedicates her life to helping everybody else and she does it full time,
over time. … If I were going to nominate somebody, I would nominate
Susie.”
Still, he said the recognition has helped reinvigorate him, for which he said he has Davis to thank.
“It’s nice to have something that I can wake up and look at every day
and kinda remind myself of those things,” he said of the things
represented on the vase. “Because they’re the type of things that if
you’re not constantly reminded of or constantly mindful, it’s easy to
regress and slip backward.”
Davis is already accepting submissions for her next Giving Earth Project recipient.
“I’m hopeful it will continue on and that I will be able to connect with
more volunteers and that we can actually give recognition to these
volunteers,” she said. “I know it’s kind of ironic to give volunteers
recognition, because they’re doing it for a different reason. But I
think it’s important, too, that we give them a pat on the back every
once in awhile. Because that's what life needs to be — we need to stop
focusing on dark things and start focusing on the lighter things too.”
To submit someone to the project, email Davis at givingearthproject@gmail.com before April 20.
Now accepting nominations for the Giving Earth Project 2015!
What is the Giving Earth Project? This project was established as a way to give back to individuals who are giving of their time and talents as volunteers in the community. From time to time it is nice to acknowledge the good in the world and give recognition to volunteers and programs that are making a difference. Each year I would like to create a work of clay art designed specifically for a volunteer who is serving others and give them this art for free as a gift of gratitude.
To
nominate a community volunteer to receive free custom pottery for the
Giving Earth Project in 2015, Submit entries via email to
givingearthproject@gmail.com by April 20, 2015.
Entry
information should include: Your contact information (email and
phone), the name of the volunteer that you would like to nominate,
details about what this volunteer does and why you nominated them.
Giving Earth Project Recipient for 2014: Chris DeSantis
I have been extremely humbled by the entries describing the
incredible volunteers within our community for this year’s project. It has been a gift to be able to hear such
inspiring stories about people who extend their hearts into the world simply to
make this life a little better. It was
hard to narrow down the countless nominations to just one single individual
because there were many that I felt truly deserved recognition. To all volunteers, thank you, I know that you
will continue to shine and serve with or without recognition. My hope is to continue this project for
additional volunteers for years to come.
I selected Chris DeSantis, for this year’s project and
created pottery depicting his amazing view on life. Chris volunteers working with veterans and
other individuals with adaptive rock climbing and recreational therapy in Salt
Lake City. The included nomination
letter will further explain his volunteer work, but beyond his service, Chris
is a seeker of peace, which is what the inspiration for this art piece became. I think Chris is able to find peace and free
his mind by caring for and serving others, reflecting on beautiful Zen practices,
and connecting deeply with nature. The
title of this pottery is called, “Mushin” and will be given to Chris as a token
of gratitude for his good heart.
Chris DeSantis, Outstanding Volunteer for the Giving Earth Project
Submitter:
Susie Schroer, Salt Lake County Parks & Adaptive
Recreation Coordinator
Volunteer:
Chris DeSantis
Susie Schroer's words about Chris: "A few years ago, I was
starting some adaptive rock climbing programs with the local VA Hospital’s
Recreation Therapy Department and I was short-handed on people certified to
belay climbers; this is when a mutual friend introduced me to Chris. At first I thought, “great, an extra hand
would be nice to have with this group,” but little did I know just how much
Chris would be helping and making such a positive impact on our adaptive
programs and participants with disabilities. Yes, he has come out to be my
extra hands at belaying but his volunteering time is so much more than
that. He is the type of volunteer that
can really connect to our participants – and that connection changes lives for
the better.
There are so many great
stories to tell about Chris but one of my favorites is when a new Veteran, that
had lost his arm while deployed, showed up to climbing for the first time. At first, this new climber kept saying he
wasn’t going to climb and that he only wanted to watch. I told the new guy “OK”
and started helping someone else while Chris said, “Hey, come over here because
I want to show you something.” Chris didn’t pressure him to climb; instead,
he invited the Veteran to come watch a few others climbers as well as explained
how our adaptive equipment worked.
Within minutes, I looked up again to see that same climber (who was
adamant about not climbing), half-way up a rope and using an adaptive ascender
while Chris was belaying him below and cheering him on. That Veteran had a blast and has since come
back to climb several times. There have
been times that I’ve heard Veterans say that, if it wasn’t for adaptive
climbing, that they would probably be depressed and sitting at home; climbing
has provided these Veterans and volunteers with a sense
of community and something to look forward to and I like to think that success
is due to the quality of experiences everyone has when we have great volunteers
such as Chris to create those life-changing experiences.
Chris’s time
volunteering isn’t just being an extra belayer.
He’s become a dedicated volunteer that makes sure everyone reaches their
goals and potential in a fun, safe, supportive and engaging way. He’s taught participants how to tie knots, how
to belay, how to find better hand and foot holds to reach the top. His volunteering time isn’t just spent at the
Veteran climbing program - there have
been several times where he has taken equipment home to set-up in his house and
trouble-shoot ways to make it more efficient for the next participant to
use. He has come to programs early to
set-up adaptive equipment to make sure it’s ready to go when people need
it. Since the first Veteran’s climbing
program, I have hired new staff that want to work and I always send them to
Chris for training.
Since the first
adaptive climbing program Chris did with us a few years ago, he has transformed
into a full-time volunteer. He’s
volunteering for more adaptive climbing programs. Sometimes I get a phone call from him about
traveling to California to volunteer at the yearly Abilities Expo to share his
knowledge of adaptive climbing with others across the Nation as well as to meet
with other adaptive climbing professionals to work on new and better
systems. He is also a year-round
volunteer with Team River Runner, a non-profit that helps Veterans with
disabilities get back out on the water in kayaks.
Personally, Chris
hasn’t just been an outstanding volunteer, but he has also become one of my
best friends who inspires me to be a better person.
When Chris isn’t busy
volunteering, he can be found all over the world … touring Turkey and Greece by
train or climbing mountains in Europe.
Or he could be found tinkering with power tools in his garage and
creating new or improving upon adaptive equipment for climbing and kayaking or
just making new engineering toys for his own entertainment. If there is fresh powder in the Wasatch
mountains, don’t be surprised to see Chris cutting fresh tracks. There’s also times where I’m lucky enough to
just sit down with Chris around a campfire, share some beers and talk for hours
about philosophies on life…those are the days I always personally treasure."
To nominate a community volunteer to receive free custom pottery for the Giving Earth Project in 2015, Submit entries via email to givingearthproject@gmail.com by April 20, 2015.
Entry information should include: Your contact information (email and phone), the name of the volunteer that you would like to nominate, details about what this volunteer does and why you nominated them.
Pottery Title: “Longing To Hold You
In My Arms”
When the phrase, “you have cancer”
was spoken, everything changed... Before
this time, you were pretty good at taking control of things and handling
situations. You always had been the one
to turn to when a problem needed to be solved. As a kid, I watched you take on the role of
mother while our own mom’s world unraveled.
You made dinners, cleaned house, helped with homework, and drove us to
our various appointments while still dealing with the unrewarding world of high
school. You were perfect at juggling
life and as you aged I watched you seamlessly create a stable, loving, and
balanced life for your own husband and son.
Those three words stopped the motion of your well-planned life…
I remember my eyes burning with hot tears the first time I saw you after
your initial surgery. That surgery took
more than cancer; it took away that secure feeling that my oldest sister was
invincible. Seeing you in such a
weakened state with that terrified smile leveled my heart. Gradually with time your scars healed and I
began to forget the look of terror on your face as you attempted to smile at me
in the recovery room. I began believing once again that my big sister’s world
was safe and sound. With more testing it
was discovered that my hope for you was unfounded, the cancer had spread… During
this next battle, I didn’t see you as powerless during the pain, exams,
surgeries, medications, recoveries, or news that the cancer had rendered you
unable to have another child. You were
brave and thankfully became a survivor of ovarian cancer.
I wish I could say that since this scary time in our lives that I
haven’t seen you with that terrified smile on your face ever again, but I
can’t. The day you filed your paperwork
to apply for adoption, you looked as vulnerable and powerless as you did in
that hospital bed all those years before.
Your nature is to be self-reliant and in control with a plan and here
you were having to put your life into an unknown world asking unknown
individuals to change your fate. I have
heard great stories about families being matched almost instantly with their
adopted children. For you and your
family, it took years and years of hard waiting and worry. You always were
joyful to hear about friends and family getting pregnant or being selected by a
birth mom to be placed with a baby, but I also know you had a huge ache to have
another child come into your life.
Can I tell you how beautiful you look holding
Cate? When that sweet baby was finally
placed in your arms, your smile seemed to depict a peace like when rain finally
comes to the desert. I have learned to
appreciate that smile of yours, knowing that we, even my strong big sister, are
all vulnerable to life; at times we will be leveled by it while other times we are
blessed with its tenderness…
I am so happy to still have you in my
life Mad. I am glad that despite cancer,
your life is in motion again. I love
Cate and chuckle to see what crazy directions she is taking your world. I love you to the moon and back. Love, Janelle
Pottery
Title: “The Peaceful Healer”
This pottery
is in memory of “Micheal” the cat, who spent his long life loving his loyal
owner Heather and any other individual that needed their heart lifted.
Sometimes
life completely falls apart and everyone involved feels powerless as they stare
at the pieces of shattered hopes and dreams. Sometimes despite the strongest efforts,
people can’t repair the collisions that life gets in. While consulting Heather’s mom for this
pottery commission, it was revealed that her greatest hope for her eldest
daughter was for her to have peace in her life. While growing up, Heather faced
a lot of trying hardships that didn’t allow her to have peace within
herself. I believe that God sends
spirits into our lives at various phases when we truly need His divine love.
These spirits don’t always take human form and in Heather’s situation her
divine healing angel ended up being a cat.
When no one else could heal a broken home or broken heart, Micheal was
able to purr and cuddle his way into the hearts of the suffering. Micheal taught Heather about faith and love
in his long life and with his quiet demeanor he was able to uplift those who
were down or lonely. In Heather’s loving
words, “Micheal was love in the purest sense. How do
I put something so personal into words? His relationship with me was the most
natural - he knew what I was thinking and tried to comfort me when I was down.
I knew when he was lonely and would seek him out when he called for us. It was
love for the sake of needing each other.”
The story of Heather and Micheal
is incredible and helps me remember that love comes in so many beautiful
forms. While I am sorry that Heather’s
dear furry companion has passed on, I sense from her words that she has peace
in her life now thanks to the loving life of Micheal.
Pottery
Title: When You Wish Upon A Star
This
pottery was created in celebration of Emily and Carlos.
Their engagement is a
sweet story of believing in the happiness of dreams. Emily has always had a romantic heart and
believes in the magic of love. Her
Carlos is her light and made her wish come true when he purposed to Emily
during a beautiful meteor shower.
Congrats to the two of you, may you forever believe in love and continue
making wishes on stars…
Pottery
Title: “Her Open Heart and Open Book”
This
pottery is inspired by Eileen Werner, a loving woman, mother, and grandmother
with a golden heart.
This
pottery is inspired by Eileen Werner, a loving woman, mother, and grandmother
with a golden heart.
There is something powerful about an open book; it creates
adventure and magic for all those who dive into the story. Eileen is often found with children sitting
on her lap discovering together the mysteries and humor of written tales. When she isn’t reading books to her little
loved ones, she is capturing memories with them to later turn into beautiful stories.
For some little boys in Alaska, gathering autumn leaves will always be a
treasure for them because their grandmother turned this event into a memorable
story. While her children and
grandchildren will always be able to credit Eileen for being the one who placed
beautiful pieces of literature in their minds from the open books that she
shared with them; they will also be able to say that they felt the power of
love from her open heart.
Pottery
Title: “Journey Beside Me in the Fall & Forever”
This
pottery was commissioned to celebrate Carl and Laurie Wilhelm’s ninth wedding
anniversary. These two lovebirds started
their lives off together with a simple hike on their first date and have been
beside each other ever since. As a
tradition, on every October 14th, Carl and Laurie take their
children on a scenic autumn walk and picnic in the mountains to view the
changing leaves and to joyfully recognize their union and the beginnings of
their family. While I find this annual ritual of togetherness to be symbolic
and especially tender, I am even more impressed by the Wilhelm’s daily
practices of being beside each other.
From my neighboring window I can see these two working side by side
building fences, raising their children, hauling dirt, mowing lawns, visiting
with friends, planting seeds, serving their neighbors, harvesting vegetables,
and hauling more dirt…What I like about this couple is that they truly
understand that this life is a journey and that it is meant to be spent
traveling together.
Pottery Title: “True Companionship
& Outreaching Love”
This pottery was commissioned for a
loving couple: Jim and Arta Mae Faulkner, who are celebrating their 47th
wedding anniversary.
Both Jim and Arta Mae are incredibly
selfless and giving people…Jim proudly served our country during WWII. Not only did Jim sacrifice his time during
the war, but he also gave up a piece of his innocence then. The beaches of
Normandy offered a stinging reality for the eyes of the soldiers who witnessed
D-Day that left these veterans, including Jim, never seeing life the same way
again. Arta Mae has spent her life
giving her heart to her husband, daughter, grandchildren, and church. I once teased Arta Mae about getting away and
doing something for herself and without any hesitation she immediately
expressed her desire to stay by her Jim so that she could help him with his
daily needs. Arta Mae is the kind of person that volunteers to bring food to
her church for her own sister’s funeral…Rather than grieve; she would prefer to
get to work in the kitchen serving.
Though these two are no longer in their youthful prime (Jim will be
turning 90 in October), they still have a light in their eyes for each other
that has been shining from the day they met.
According to their daughter, Jim and Arta Mae met at church. Jim was a newcomer and Arta Mae practically
jumped over the pulpit to meet him after the services were over. Their wedding reception wasn’t conventional
but full of memorable character. Jim
wore a black suit while Arta Mae wore a lime green suit adorned with a
beautiful lei of purple orchids. This anniversary pottery conveys a lot of Jim
and Arta Mae’s matrimonial origins with the orchid and 1960’s lime green; it
even has the swirling wave-like spirals depicting their honeymoon to the Oregon
coast. As I was carving the spiral
design into the clay, I started thinking the spiral represents even more than
Jim and Arta Mae’s beginnings; it reveals who they are now and who they will
become into the eternities. Many mystics
believe the spiral is symbolic of the progress of the inner soul towards
eternal life. While the spiral begins
small and concentrated inwardly it gradually grows in time and begins to have a
larger outward focus. Jim and Arta Mae
may have started their lives together with a more inward perspective but now
after 47 years of love, they have refined a good sense of focus on life’s
greater purpose.
"A Thousand Lives"
Pottery Title:“A Thousand Lives”
There
are three powerful things that have been placed in my hands that have
completely changed the course of my life.
My baby boy, clay, and a book… Before I became a mother or clay artist,
I spent a lot of my time in books trying to escape but also trying to find
myself. Though my time is now divided up
between caring for a child and creating, I still try to get lost in the pages
of a novel when I get the chance. I know
there are many readers who would agree that they are never the same person once
they have journeyed into another book. I
love the quote by George R. R. Martin that says, “A reader lives a thousand
lives before he dies. A man who never
reads only lives one”. This commissioned
pot is for a devoted reader named Amanda who has lived more than a thousand
beautiful, tragic, and adventurous lives. When Amanda’s mother began describing
her daughter to me, she immediately explained to me that Amanda is an avid
reader. When I asked her what her
favorite book was, I didn’t get one favorite title, but rather a giant literary
list. Amanda has an adorably quaint home
in Ogden that is filled with bookshelves packed full of great written works. Amanda adores learning and will soon graduate
with her masters of English. While some
bookish individuals only live on the pages of a novel, Amanda extends her
brilliance and passions into life as a devoted teacher. Amanda energetically teaches English and
History, but beyond school subjects, she understands that her students need her
heart. Amanda is true to her name, which
means “worthy of love”. While Amanda may
live a thousand lives in the books she reads, she reaches thousands of lives
with the life she lovingly lives. Originally I wanted to convey the image of
beauty springing from a book to represent her connection with reading but now
that I know more of her heart and creative teaching abilities I see this
imagery more representative of Amanda’s love…
Within a vast library of books, there always are those hidden stories
that completely change your perspective and heart. Amanda’s story is a tale that anyone would be
lucky to encounter. From the pages of
her life’s book springs beauty, inspiration, adventure, and love.
July Gallery Exhibition:
I am teaming up with other incredible 3-D artists for:
"Nothing Flat" Exhibition
July 11- Aug. 29, 2014
Open House July 11th @ 7pm
Bountiful/Davis Art Center
28 E State Street
Farmington, UT
Come check it out...All my art in this
"A Beautiful Life" collection is based on amazing people I have
beautifully connected with in my life.
Pottery Title:
“India”
This pottery is inspired by my uncle-John Pitt and his
wife-Wendy, who reserve their hearts for each other and the exotic country of
India.
I can’t say that I
always believed in marriage. My parents
divorced when I was young and I watched both my mom and dad go through such
heartache. I convinced my heart at an
early age that I didn’t need that kind of hurt.
With every conviction within me to oppose marriage, I always had one
exception…My uncle and his wife…
Whenever I thought that there was no hope for love, I would remember
these two united with true hearts.
Thankfully this one example was enough to spark a hope within me that
maybe just maybe true love was possible...
In 1631, the emperor Shah Jahan, commissioned the Taj Mahal to be
constructed as a tribute to his wife and it still stands today as strong
example of their enduring hearts. The
Taj Mahal is a beautiful edifice that represents a symbol of love for
many. For me during my formative years,
the greatest monument of matrimonial love was that of John and Wendy Pitt. Thank you for living your lives with love for
others to see. Your loving example
towards each other helped me to become the happy wife and mother that I am
today…
Pottery
Title: “Blossoming on Earth and in Heaven”
This
pottery is inspired by Kellie Johnson and her beyond amazing family.
Since I have
become a mother, I have gained a new appreciation for parents… I more easily tear up at the slightest
moments that hint of tenderness between parent and child. I more readily soak in the wise methods of
parents who are effectively teaching their children. I also ache more fully for those who have
lost children too early in life. Within
the walls of Kellie’s home resides a beautiful painting of a humble woman
washing Christ’s feet with her tears.
One cannot look upon this image without feeling the power and love of
the Atonement. I have grown up watching
Kellie set examples for me to look to.
Some of her examples have been over small things while others have been
extensive and powerful. Kellie’s understanding of the Atonement lifts my
doubtful heart. While talking with
Kellie recently about how she handled losing her daughter, she said with great
peace in her voice that she knew where her Mikell was and that she was now able
to do all the things in heaven that she wasn’t able to fulfill in this life. Kellie knows that Christ intercedes for us
between heaven and this worldly life.
Christ can take our sin and heartache from us and make us whole once
again. Because of Him, we can find
peace. When I think of the Johnson
family I like to visualize a grouping of flowers. Some of these flowers are happily thriving on
the earth while others are blossoming on the celestial branches of heaven…Within
many Christian faiths; the butterfly is used as a symbol of Christ. I love the imagery of that divine butterfly
mediating between these earthly and heavenly blossoms.
Pottery
Title: “Teaching Her to Look to the Goodness and Light in Life”
This
pottery is inspired by Casey O’Hara and her beautiful daughter Caitlin.
Several years ago, after giving one of my
back-to-school-night talks to the parents of my soon-to-be students, I was
approached by an adorable mama who had
tears in her eyes. Through her tears she was able to explain to
me that her Caitlin was a loving and creative girl who was so ready to be in
preschool, but that she as the mama wasn’t ready for this day. I hugged Casey and reassured her that all
would be well…Throughout the school year; Casey injected her amazing hand of
service into the school. Over time I
learned that her wiliness to serve extended beyond the classroom and into the
community too. Caitlin and Casey spent
their leisure time serving meals to the homeless, baking cookies for senior
centers, walking in cancer fundraisers, and raising awareness for animals and
tolerance to all people…The list goes on, but you get the point… To find out more about her charitable heart,
I once got brave and asked Casey why she did all these things. Again tears came, and she explained that she
didn’t have a specific faith, but that she wanted her daughter to know what
goodness was. Without a religion, Casey
managed to make me a believer in the human spirit that day. Though
Caitlin is no longer my student, I still keep in touch with this dynamic
duo. Casey is still teaching Caitlin how
to turn her heart to the good things in life just how sunflowers turn their
petals to the divine light of the sun.
Thank you Casey for having the love and the tears that you have, your daughter
has blossomed because of it.
Pottery Title: “Grafted
Into Her Family Tree”
This pottery is inspired by Ally Chacon, a woman who started
out as a funny co-worker of mine from my Saint Olaf Catholic School teaching
years and has since become family.
I love how the bible uses nature to explain the Gospel. In agriculture, the term “grafting” refers to
transplanting branch sections from one tree into another and having both
species flourish on one tree. The bible
uses the analogy of “grafting” to explain how diverse peoples or branches can
become one on God’s tree. I think we
spend too much time focusing on our differences rather than celebrating what
beautiful characteristics that we have in common….Love… My dear
and very quirky friend Ally and I are quite diverse from one another, but our
friendship is strong. For anyone that
thinks the LDS culture has an edge on family history, they haven’t met my
little Catholic Ally; she is a pro when it comes to genealogy work. Ally delights in knowing her roots and
connecting herself to her lineage. With her strict devotion to historical
documentation and bloodlines to maintain authentic family records, she still
manages to “graft” random souls like me into her tree. Both Ally and her husband Sam have been able
to make me feel as though I have always been rooted in their family. I am so
thankful for her example of unconditional love in reaching out to others. For when we are united as one, we thrive…
Pottery
Title: “Mother Hen”
This
pottery is inspired by Claudia Long, a devout Christian that took a chance on
me and hired me as an employee at the Lutheran school which she directed. Our working relationship gradually evolved
into a loving friendship.
My boss
Claudia used to call me into her office, not for a stern employee evaluation,
but rather to pray. She would sense that
I was down or needing inspiration and felt impressed to call upon the
Lord. As a preschool teacher, Claudia
has spent her career looking after little ones, but she also managed to take
additional souls like me under her wing too. I genuinely sense that she is
lifted up by the little children that are in her charge. She reminds me of the hen in the farmyard
with all her chicks surrounding her…I think she even clucks with laughter from
time to time. Another delight in
Claudia’s life is her rooster George.
While Claudia is lively and dynamic, her George is quiet and set in his
simple but good ways. Regardless of
their differences, Claudia loves her other half, he always keeps her
thinking… Claudia once came to me with
freshly picked bolls of cotton in her hand.
She said, “Do you know what this means?”
Not having a clue I shrugged…She held up an individual fibrous cotton
boll and with a laugh said, “It means I must love my husband!” Claudia then began to explain that months
prior she had asked George to go to the nursery and pick out some lovely plants
to put in their flowerbeds. George came
back with cotton plants… Rather than tearing them out and requesting daisies or
petunias instead, Claudia let the darn things grow. Months later they had cotton! I was lucky to have worked with her for over
seven years, and in those years I was able to have her prayers, hear many funny
Claudia and George stories, receive her mentorship as a teacher, and have her
supportive friendship. Thanks Claudia
for being the fun loving spirit that taught me how to have compassion for the
littlest of hearts and how to laugh at the unexpected.
Pottery Title:
“Haley’s
Pride”
This pottery is inspired by Haley Drechsel, who was a preschooler
at a Lutheran school that I worked at for years. Over a period of time I was privileged to
build a relationship with her and her mama Teresa.
From a very early age Haley had a love for
animals. When other students would bring
in the latest action figures or dolls to share for Show and Tell, cute Haley
would bring in freshly laid chicken eggs or pictures of owls in her barn. As a little girl Haley was quiet but never
stopped grinning and sharing her heart with others. I remember two things would absolutely
delight Haley: 1. When you would ask her about her farm animals…She would
instantly tell you their names and what silly antics her barnyard buddies were
up to. 2. When her mama would come to
pick her up from school… Both Haley and
Teresa would light up with complete joy to be reunited with each other. The bond between these two was unique and
beautiful and left me hoping to have that connection with my own child one day. I will never forget the time Teresa came to
me with tears rolling down her checks to tell me that Haley is her only and
everything and that her heart beat just for her. Haley is now a grown young lady with many
talents. Haley still has a passion for
animals; in fact, she devotes most of her time and heart to her horse
“Patrick”. Thanks to social media I am
able to stay in touch and read about Haley’s latest accomplishments in the
horse shows that she competes in. Haley
is quite proud of her Patrick and is able to appreciate all the growth that he
has made over time. I love when Haley
posts about her well-earned accomplishments with her horse; she just beams with
pride over their progress together. When
I see pictures of Haley proudly standing next to her champion Patrick with
awards and ribbons for their merit, I am thrilled to think that behind this
happy, beautiful, and hard-working young woman is a proud mama whose heart
beats just for Haley.
Pottery
Title: “Fisher, Fisher Men Men Men”
This
pottery is inspired by my son “Wyatt John Davis”, my husband “Tim Davis”, my
father-in-law “John Davis”, and his father “Dick Davis” who are all wise
fishermen.
There are
legacies that should always live on: legacies of love, legacies of wisdom, and
legacies of fishing… We are blessed to
live across the street from a fishing reservoir in east Layton. Every morning my son wakes up and asks if we
can go fishing in the “canoe boat”. And
at the end of many summer days after lovingly tucking his boy in bed and
finishing up the chores of daily living, I watch Tim take his pole to the
waters lit by the setting sun. While I am
not a fisherman myself, I take comfort in the idea of it and will encourage the
legacy. Tim’s father and grandfather
fished the waters of Utah for years before Tim’s arrival into life and then
taught him the art as a young tot. There
is something beautiful about going out into the incredible elements that God
has created and being still. Quite often
I wonder if this is Tim’s church. When the world is weary with smartphones and
traffic, I find relief in knowing that there are still quiet folks that fish.
Pottery Title: “Family”
This pottery is inspired by my
friend Emily and her brilliant little son Johnny.
The day we buried your sweetheart John, I came home and played the Dar
Williams song "Family" over and over as I cried for you and your unborn son. The lyrics, “A simple box in that hard red
clay, is where we left him to always remain” stuck with me on that day. While visiting the cemetery recently for
another grave service I watched two little birds land on a random gravestone on
the grounds. These two little birds
hopped around on the grave in a joyful little manner and then flew off
together. I couldn’t help but smile and
think of you… Your adventurous spirit
chose to keep on living even after your John passed away. You gave this same spirit to your son. While you still keep John’s memory alive and
visit his graveside with flowers, baked goods, American flags, and good
conversation from time to time, you also know how to take flight and keep
living for your little boy. Because of
you, Johnny will know how to be a world traveler, how to soak in true joy, how
to value education, how to love someone beyond this life’s reach, how to dream
big, how to follow dreams, how to appreciate time, how to be strong, how to
laugh after tears, and how to seek out more of life’s beautiful adventures.
Pottery Title:
“Looketh Upon the Heart”
This pottery is inspired by my mother-Jer Call, who is the
greatest educator I have ever known.
My drive to become a teacher came from my mama. She is the kind of educator that dives into a
topic and extracts illuminating bits of knowledge that leaves her students
craving more. While her students are on
this cusp of curiosity, she provides them with educational tools to help them
dig further into their own learning. My
mother teaches 5th grade children in a public school, but she also
teaches other educators on how to effectively teach, and is also passionate
about teaching the words of Christ. One
of her most notable teaching positions occurred within the walls of the Davis
County Jail for women. For years my mom
would enter the jail twice a week as a volunteer to teach parenting classes,
life skills, and the Gospel of Christ to women inmates. My mama still lovingly refers to these women
as her best students. Her latest
teaching role will take place in Africa.
She is traveling to Kenya to paint murals on a rural school and teach
students science. From time to time I am
stopped by individuals who have had the chance to be recipients of her
well-constructed lessons, powerful words, and well- illustrated visual aids and
they always sing her praises for her ability to deliver such an impact with her
teaching. I recall once being asked, “Do
you know how great your mother is as a teacher?” Happily, I was able to say yes with no
hesitation… My mother taught me within
the home how to be strong in times where one could give up and label themselves
a victim. My mother taught me within a
school setting as I was lucky enough to work as a teacher’s assistant in her
classroom and see her direct impact on her young learners (this is where I
learned to become a teacher). When I
think about my mama as a teacher I quite often think about how she taught me
about how we should love others…I sat in awe as
a young girl watching my mom teach the bible verse, 1 Samuel 16:7, to a large congregation. My mother started her lesson by holding up
steamed artichoke and reading this bible passage. As she began to explain this passage she started
to cut into this awkward bit of produce and pull the leaves away. When she finished her words, she stood among
her learners with her hands dripping with the juices of the tender artichoke
heart. She then reached up and took a
dramatic and messy bite out of the heart and explained how the outer layer of
this strange thistly plant offered little hint as to the tasty goodness that
lay within its leaves just as the character of one’s soul is truly only
revealed from within. With the artichoke heart still in her mouth she repeated
the words, “The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the
outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the
heart...The Lord looketh upon the heart”. Thank you mama for teaching with your
hands dripping with conviction, you inspired me to do the same.
Pottery
Title: “Secretly Dreams of Beauty Secretly”
This
pottery is inspired by my dad- Greg Call.
I don’t
have many regrets in my life, but one will always haunt me… My dad and I were so close to one another
when I was a little girl covered in freckles, but when my parents divorced when
I was nine; I turned my heart away from him for a long time. While I have read in child psychology books
that the practice of turning away from one parent during a divorce is a common
emotional response for coping, I still shudder to think about how unloving I
was to my own father. There is a line in
the Phantom of the Opera that stings my heart every time I hear it. To give you a little context, the hideous
Phantom is singing to the beautiful Christine after he has become
unmasked. He sadly says to her that he
is seen as a monstrous beast by all, but that within the monster there is a secret
yearning for beauty. My dad was a strong
man during my hateful years. He understood
that I was just a hurt kid trying to grapple with a hard reality. While I gave him my anger, he gave me his
heart unconditionally. I now know that
he was hurting just as much as I was but he kept that hidden away and focused
on me. I have since learned that during
this time, my dad would go home alone to his empty apartment and stare at his
aquarium fish for hours—One glimpse of beauty for him in a dark time… During
this broken phase in our lives he was lonely and had many thoughts and passions
that he wanted to share with his daughters but saved them within himself for
another peaceful time when our hearts were ready. At this moment he allowed
himself to be seen as the villain so that his children could resolve their own
pain. My amazing neighbor recently
shared with me the comparison of divorce to that of the judgment of Solomon
from the Bible. When two individuals
quarreled over who was the rightful parent to a child, it was decided that the
baby should be divided equally. Not
wanting their child hurt, the true parent gave up her desires in order to save
the child. Parents do hard things to
save their children… Thankfully, time
has healed our hearts and we now can share the beauty within ourselves with
each other. I love my Dad and am proud
of who he is and for the passion that his heart has for life. I am glad that he doesn’t have to have a
secret joy, but that he can share himself openly and happily with his children
and grandchildren.
A Beautiful Life
My new focus for art and personal mantra is: “A Beautiful
Life”.
I first heard these words spoken
at my grandmother’s funeral over a year ago.
My mama uttered this peaceful phrase with tears in her eyes when
thanking her own mother for living a beautiful life.
Since this time I have lost other inspiring
family and friends, each of them having lived with beauty too.
With reflection on these great departed
lives, I have felt a strong conviction to live a life that conveys more love
and character.
At the end of every day
after reviewing my words and actions and I would realize that I fall short from
this goal.
Feeling a little disheartened,
I took the advice of another sweet lady in my life to lift my spirits.
To paraphrase my gram, she once said that
when you are sad that you should think about others instead of yourself.
So with that, I started writing down in a
journal the names of countless individuals that inspire me. Through this
action, I have been able to stop thinking about my faults and start focusing on
the pure goodness and love of other examples surrounding me.
Thinking about the beauty of others has
inspired me more than any book or landscape or painting that I have ever
encountered.
I have been reacting to
this beauty in the way I modify my personal life and also in my art.
My current works in clay represent different
souls whose lives reflect beauty through charity, hard work, love, openness,
selflessness, devotion, simplicity, and wisdom.
I am proud of each of my art pieces not for the way they are sculpted or
for their colors, but for the beautiful lives that they represent.
Each of these pots reminds me that I am
surrounded by beauty and love.
Article on KSL about the Giving Earth Project for 2014
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1286&sid=29026888#7b4Y0IEOSKUYoOVM.14
Artist looks to reward 'brave' acts of kindness with pottery
By Celeste Tholen Rosenlof
March 12th, 2014 @ 8:03am
Celeste Tholen Rosenlof
LAYTON — Inspired by those
she sees regularly reaching out to others, a local pottery artist is
hoping to learn the stories of those people and create a piece of art
portraying that.
Since Janelle Call Davis discovered her love of pottery in high school, she has had her hands in clay.
“When my hands touched clay, it made sense,” she said.
While studying early childhood education at Weber State University, she
continued taking art classes. As a preschool teacher, she encouraged
artistic pursuits. And, over the years, her art has been featured in
exhibitions in Weber County.
After Davis’ son was born, however, she retreated into home life.
Twenty-three months later, she decided to reach out of her “introverted
little home.” The way to do so, she decided, was to find people making a
difference in their community and honor them with a piece of art about
their story. She calls it the Giving Earth Project.
“Whether it’s helping a kid or an old person, or part of an actual
organization,” she said of her flexible criteria. “If it’s someone who’s
continually baking meat loaf for the neighborhood when they’re sick.”
Davis said she is inspired by the stories of others, and tries to incorporate narrative into her pieces.
“Hopefully, I’ll be able to put that beautiful life they’re making into
clay,” she said. “It takes a braveness to put your heart out there, and I
just wanted to acknowledge that.”
