THE ARTISTs OF THE ISLAND

During our recent visit to the City of Avalon (on Catalina Island), we were lucky enough to discover 'the Artists of the Island'. ..Will Richards and his wife Cindy.

We were zipping around town on our rented golf cart and, by chance, turned off on a little side street to check out what used to be 'Bird Park'. As we exited the cart, we heard music coming from the hill immediately behind us and looked up to discover WILL RICHARDS' STUDIO... What a fantastic treat.

Will graciously invited us in for a tour...and it was like nothing we'd ever seen... A hillside mansion constructed of recycled materials, sea glass, bones, shells...you name it. It was dreamlike...walking from room to room...peeking into each and every tiny space to reveal the treasures they contained. The most fab-U-lous windchimes made from driftwood, abalone, and old chandelier crystals.

Tilework, assemblage, mosaics, mobiles, paintings, soapstone carvings, and more... Truly a sight to behold...and such an inspiration to create.

My favorite room, by far, was the open air bathroom with seashell encrusted counters and a fully functioning 'conch shell faucet'...

xoxo, amy

SEAGLASS...OCEAN'S TREASURE

I have an obsession with seaglass...especially the light aqua stuff. I remember collecting it even as a little girl, coveting every piece. As children, our parents would take us to Bluff's Point in Groton, CT quite frequently. We'd make the hike out to the Point and spend the day beachcombing, steaming clams on a campfire, picking wild roses, and playing in the sun. Some of my most vivid childhood memories are of those trips to the Point.

I'm headed back to Connecticut to visit family in two days. We've planned a trip to Groton Long Point. Dad, I'll be watching for you at the end of the path. xoxo, amy