The leaves have fallen and the plants and trees pull their energy inward. The natural cycle goes against the grain, promoting stillness in a society that is rushing about shopping and eating. The holiday season is upon us, and there are so many holidays for observance. From Bodhi Day on December 8, through Kwanzaa( with Hanukkah, Solstice, and Christmas in between), there is much reverence and reflection in these traditions, offering a break from the whirling snow and advertisements.
Celebration of any or all the December holidays is an opportunity to connect and create community. While out hunting for the next greatest gift, don’ t overlook Sheri Ritchie’ s amazing downtown studio. Inside, there are carefully hand-built, finely carved clay pieces molded into flowing, curvy, feminine figures.“ I am proud to be a woman. We are a delightful tension of complexities, sensuality, and vulnerabilities balanced with the sobriety and strength of our convictions, which seem as limitless as the stars.”
Originally from the South, Sheri’ s summer nights were filled listening to her mother and other women discussing life, love, and even politics.“ It seemed as if the fireflies danced around their laughter and even though it was that defiant era of the sixties, there was something magical in their liberation.”
Her father’ s employment involved frequent moves during childhood, allowing Ritchie to meet new people and experience the diversities of different parts of the United States. She continued this pattern of travel into adulthood. Seizing opportunities, she navigated the globe and met women from countries and cultures that were foreign to her,“ but their capacity for life was the same as that of those Southern women of my youth.”
“ Under the Southern Moon” Wanderlust Series
15.5 x 7.5”
“ La Dolci Vita” The Sweet Life 16 x 8 x 10”
November | December 2017 19