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