My first foray into ceramics was in the mid 1970’s at a wonderful studio in an old amusement park, Glen Echo, outside of Washington DC. After a couple years of intensive work/study, life became complicated: I married, moved to Massachusetts, opened a bookstore with my husband, raised three children, then became a Licensed Massage Therapist, opened and ran a day spa, and after a successful run of 13 years, sold that business and retired!

And then……

I longed to get my hands dirty again! I saw Cycle Pottery Studio in Florence, MA, and once again found myself in a welcoming community of talented ceramic artists, elbows deep in mud again, at last. It took me “a minute” to feel comfortable at a wheel again. Then after a few months, I started to feel my style and aesthetic preferences.

For many years I collected stones, crystals, and rough minerals. I also crafted a line of votive candle holders with copper wire embellishments, and fashioned a bit of jewelry. Put that all together, and “Voila!” – a fusion of clay, objects from nature, a few wire twists and Mixed MUDia was born.

I search for twigs and branches in the woods around my home, or my other favorite place, Cape Cod. I have designed several pieces for folks who have a special connection with a particular tree (a couple who was married under an oak has a serving tray with impressions of oak leaves, for example) or color, or mineral/stone. What a joyful creative process that is!

I am so grateful to have the time and resources to follow my artistic calling. It combines demanding physical work, interesting creative play, and entrepreneurial skills – all things that have given my life meaning over the decades.

Please feel free to submit your feedback, critique, requests, ideas, and any other encouraging messages! I do accept “Special Orders” and welcome the opportunity to expand my view. (One request I especially had fun with was a “yarn bowl” from a knitter who liked my glazes!)

Diana (Dee) Krauth, Leeds, MA