Winter Solstice Walk

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This illustration is inspired by my daughter, who has led the way in our family tradition of celebrating the winter solstice as part of our advent. It is also inspired by witnessing my grandchildren’s sense of wonder and delight in the myths of the season.

Each year, we parade our lanterns through the night, bringing light to our neighbors on the darkest day. We return to a warm hearth, simple treats, and a home filled with sparkling candles. It is a celebration I look forward to almost more than Christmas Day!

Little family of pot makers

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Donna D'Orio Artist

Passing tradition forward to my grandchildren–a tiny micaceous pot.

Studio sanctuary

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Donna D'Orio Artist

My studio space in New Mexico. Tucked backed in the hills of Taos County, on fifty acres, I was enveloped in sanctuary. Every element was food for the soul. A quiet world of ancient land where the grandmother spirits visited and the coyotes held vigil. At first dawn, a flurry of birds would bring song to the start of day. At first dawn, I would sit in practice, my morning meditation fueled by the beauty of this place. A simple breakfast and then into the studio to form the belly of the mother–which, upon firing, becomes the water jar or cooking vessel.

The gift of time, space, and local generosity to bring fruition to a dream.

The Merry Little Elf

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Donna D'Orio Artist

My illustration of the Merry Little Elf has brought delight to many over time. I was so happy that Love & Tea Co. chose him to accompany their Christmas tea blend! He travels far and wide, carrying in his knapsack yummy tea to celebrate the winter season. I hope you will invite him into your home, and fill your heart–and your tea cup–with warmth and good cheer.

This delicious tea is blended by hand in a small Vermont homestead, and is made with 100% organic peppermint, sarsaparilla root, cinnamon clove, ginger root, orange peel, nutmeg, cardamom, goji berries, cocoa, vanilla bean powder, and honey granules.

The Merry Little Elf and Love & Tea’s Holiday Cheer blend

To order Love & Tea’s Holiday Cheer, visit their online shop here.

From vision to vessel

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Donna D'Orio Artist

Greetings, friends.

For the past year, I have been immersed in bringing a dream to fruition. Here is a peek at the outcome of months of study with my Jicarilla teacher and master potter, Felipe Ortega. There is much more to show and share, which I will do in the coming weeks.

This primary micaceous clay is harvested and processed in small batches from the sacred ground of Northern New Mexico and the Colorado Plateau. This body of work reflects my respect for the beauty of functional vessels that stay true to simple, basic form. It is also inextricably tied to my belief in the critical importance of indigenous and heirloom foods. For me, the notion that we can harvest our functional utensils out of the very earth in which we grow our crops is complete fruition. (Cooking in the earth from which our foods are grown … you can’t get much more local than that.)

These cooking pots are hand-built in the traditional Jicarilla tradition.

(Update: some of you have inquired whether I have vessels for sale — yes! This run is limited, and I maintain a waiting list if you have a specific request for size/type. My gallery will be updated soon. For information on availability and pricing, send email to dldmicasa@gmail.com.)