Wednesday, March 30, 2011

beautiful japan

Japan is rich in many things, and symbolism is one of them. The Cherry blossom is compared to the fleeting cloud , its beauty and swiftness of life. I've been thinking about Japan and all it has given to the world of art and of culture. Not just their brilliant pottery, woodcuts and the haiku poetry but their grace and dignity in the face of this recent disaster.
Since the third century people have gathered under the cherry trees for celebration of life.

I have watched like you have how the earthquake and tsunami has seemed to weave them more tightly together, their stoicism and and sometimes selflessness heart wrenching. Like the workers who stayed behind at Fukushima , risking their lives so others might be safe.
I've made a bluebird perched on a mound of cherry blossom and offer it for sale,

all the proceeds to go to Save the Children for Japan. If anyone is interested, bluebird is five inches tall and six wide. **This little bird is flying away, Thank you so much , Jacki!xx
The bluebird because it brings luck and happiness. He is 90 dollars and that includes shipping.


Also a pottery friend , Maki, has a 1,000 bird project on her blog and is making wonderful bird chopstick rests, all proceeds to help Japan





The goldfish in Japan symbolizes perserverence in adversity, watching them takes the viewer to otherworldly states, as these rabbits will testify to!The temple bell stops.

But the sound keeps coming

out of the flowers


Basho


xx

julie


juliewhitmorepottery.etsy.com
at

32 comments:

  1. Dreaming WoodsMarch 30, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    such a lovely bird Julie. it is wonderful to see the overwhelming kindness which this blog world shows for Japan. I am thinking of creating something also, when i will receive some tree ornaments with a bird.

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  2. susan jenkinsMarch 30, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Lovely post Julie! I so love the blue bird on the cherry blossoms and also love the cup with the koi and rabbits. love everything.All beautiful.

    Love, Susan

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  3. sea-blue-sky & abstractsMarch 30, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    A beautiful post too, Julie. The blossom pics, your lovely bluebird with blossom and a message of hope for the future. x

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  4. kathydMarch 30, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    lovely blog today . i made a prayer flag to honor japan. i agree they are a wonderful country .
    thanks julie

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  5. UnknownMarch 30, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    This is a lovely Post. The gntle people of Japan. Such a tragedy! I pray for them! Your things are so heavenly that you make!

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  6. Ocean Breezes and Country SneezesMarch 30, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    Beautiful photos and pottery. How generous of you to help the children of Japan..

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  7. AnonymousMarch 30, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    Beautiful post.

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  8. My Farmhouse KitchenMarch 30, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    ~~~ beautiful

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  9. gallerydarrowMarch 30, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    Beautiful post Julie. Your kindness and caring are always evident. xo Ro

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  10. From Beyond My Kitchen WindowMarch 30, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    We've had several Japanese families at school over the years. They are a thoughtful and kind people. God Bless the citizens of Japan and thank you for speaking of Japan so graciously on your blog.

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  11. farmladyMarch 30, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    Oh Julie, what a wonderful thing to do. You post is a reminder that there is still a great need over there.
    What is more perfect than a blue bird on a mound of cherry blossoms and the wonderful Basho quote.
    Thank you...

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  12. lilylovekinMarch 30, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    Just Lovely!

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  13. Mary ,East CoventryMarch 30, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    Beautiful post- I have always loved Japanese art,literature,and the wonderful appreciation for the natural world. Your creations are just lovely- so very beautiful. Love the Basho haiku- never read that one.
    Thank you.
    Mary

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  14. sharonMarch 30, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    again, you have captured me in a dream I believe! Your work really touches my soul.

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  15. Lori annMarch 30, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    i wish i knew a better word than beautiful. julie, this post is one of my all time favorites. you are truly a gem.

    thank you for your generous, lovely donation.
    xxx

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  16. Maggie AnnMarch 30, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    Oh that sweet goldfish & rabbit pottery. Just so sweet!

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  17. Patricia Griffin CeramicsMarch 30, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    The bluebird is lovely, as was this post. Artists in the US are reaching out in so many ways to extend generosity to Japan. The need is so great and our efforts seem like just a drop in the bucket, but it will help.

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  18. ClaireMarch 30, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    Hey Julie, it's wonderful to share your talent for such a worthy cause.
    Beautiful makes as always, love the bluebird and cherry blossom.

    Claire :)

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  19. Gloria Freshley Art and DesignMarch 31, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    Beautiful, Julie....Every thought and word and image.

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  20. BuntyMarch 31, 2011 at 4:04 AM

    Beautiful as usual Julie - a lovely post. Thanks for leaving me a lovely message too.

    Hugs,

    Barbara

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  21. ParisbreakfastsMarch 31, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    Thank you for this thoughtful post and the exquisite bluebird!

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  22. jen storerMarch 31, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    So beautiful. What a wonderful gift you have. So much talent and soul. jx

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  23. Kathryn GloverApril 1, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    Julie. What a beautiful bluebird. May the people in Japan soon find beauty in their lives again. Wonderful for you to donate. Your roses and blossoms make me swoon for spring. Forsythia has not yet appeared but some of the birds have returned. I'm going to attempt making my papier mache teacups this weekend. Always I thank you for your kind words on my blog. until next week..........

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  24. dulcyApril 2, 2011 at 6:14 AM

    Julie.... your post is such a wonderful example of the power of blogging and bringing people together, not just to show our passions and creativity, but to actually make a difference. Both of your new pieces are so charming! I hope that the bluebird has flown away to a lovely new home.......
    xo
    dulcy

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  25. AprilApril 2, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    I cannot help thinking, when I see the calmness and strength of the Japanese people, how we would not react the same way here. It is disconcerting...but true, I'm afraid. We have a lot to learn from one another. To see the beautiful cherry blossoms, I remember visiting the Japanese Tea Gardens in Golden Gate Park (San Francisco) when I was a little girl... and enjoying a special cup of tea. Thank-you for the memories and for reminding my heart to be thankful and loving and appreciative.

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  26. annamaria potamitiApril 5, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    Such a beautiful bird and such a thoughtful,and kind creative act!I truly have admired the way the Japanese have dealt with all these terrible events. My heart is with them too. Thank you for doing this.x

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  27. Vicki BosterApril 8, 2011 at 6:19 PM

    Julie - this is truly beautiful and such a wonderful and generous gesture on your part. That you are using your special talents to help this poor situation is so commendable. I see that the bird has been purchased - I am so very happy for you. Bravo!

    Vicki

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  28. AnonymousApril 9, 2011 at 10:08 AM

    This is such a lovely, generous post, Julie. Congratulations to Jacki - the little bluebird is wonderful.
    Hugs,
    Zuzu

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  29. LauraApril 10, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    i have read this post several times. it is very moving. beautiful. your goodness warms me.

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  30. Alicia@ eco friendly homemakingApril 11, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    Such a lovely post. Your pictures are just beautiful!!

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  31. dulcyApril 14, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    Julie.... It's funny that you should mention bluebirds flying over my house. We live at the end of a wooded lane, and sometimes when I'm driving or walking home, it feels as though those Disney singing bluebirds (remember the old cartoons) should be flying about singing with ribbons in their mouths! Thanks for dropping by.
    xo
    dulcy

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  32. PamelaApril 20, 2011 at 4:00 AM

    you have been busy! I have missed so much but looking at all you lovely cups reminds me again how much I need a JW cup one of these days!!
    miss you!!!
    xo

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