ketabor

I work as an independent education consultant and facilitator. All that really means is that schools ask me to design and teach original curricula tailored to their students' needs. I work primarily in conflict resolution, but have taught peer mediation as well.

I love to cook and bake, and I think the best part of that is sharing food with others. I love to travel (and sample food along the way), but I dislike tourism intensely.

There is no place I'd rather be than outdoors. I love running, biking, boating, swimming and skiing (water and snow). But above all those, I adore backpacking. I get out for a hike as often as I can, but I make sure to go once a year on a very special trip with my best friend for a week or two. I love the adventure of backpacking, finding new places, and the company of my friends.

I love to sew, though my ability is somewhat limited. I do a bit of needlework as well, mostly embroidery, redwork, etc. I like projects that are somewhat basic so there's plenty of room for improvisation. I also paint and draw quite a bit.

I used to be quite involved in making wheel-thrown functional ceramic pieces. Usually, I made stoneware, but occasionally dabbled in other media like porcelain. I experimented with glaze techniques, preferring mostly to dip and spray, but I like raku-type lead glazing as well. This was something about which I was very passionate, but after a long deliberation, I chose a liberal arts college over art school, and have since given up ceramics. I've found it to be a little less portable than I require my hobbies to be, since I generally don't stay in one place too long.

I also dabble in paper art. I like making paper and stationery. I make bumbling attempts at origami, but really just enjoy the paper.

I recently started letterboxing, and LOVE making stamps and log books. I'm always looking for good hiding places!

I like scrapbooking (usually as gifts), but the cost and waste are a little prohibitive. I like the idea of giving photos as gifts though, and scrapbooks seem uniquely suited to capture and transmit your sentiments visually to others.

Gwen Frostic is amazing. Her poetry and prints are so beautiful. I grew up in Michigan, so her block prints of local flora and fauna are particularly special to me.

John Glick is a hero of mine. He actually trained the artist who trained me! Even though I've never met him, I feel sort of close to his work in a way.

Joseph Wood Bennion (of "The Potter's Meal" fame), seems to have truly captured what it is to be an artist and live in harmony with your environment. If you're ever near Spring City, Utah, I would highly recommend stopping by his show room.

Anything handmade or thoughtfully assembled.

Recipes, especially the family kind, or ones that come with stories.

Documentary/Capture style art

Handmade Judaica

Mixed-media art or supplies

Beautiful paper (or things to make into paper)

Natural objects (fibers, leaves, petals, etc.)

Interesting found objects (preferably with a story)

Handmade dog toys (the squeakier the better)

Things That Give Me Migraines: Artificially scented/flavored anything (candles, coffee, incense, lotion, etc.). Artificial ingredients (MSG, High Fructose Corn Syrup, etc.).

Things I Can't Enjoy: Non-Kosher Food

Things I Don't Enjoy: Mass produced anything; Plastic.

Things That Cause Clutter: Little ornamental bobble-type things; Mass produced things; Kitsch, camp, collectables.

My style incorporates subdued color palates (think muted, not pastel). I like most colors with grey tones (e.g. pale greens, mauves, blues, and a mix of browns). While I do like mixing these colors with bolder ones (chartreuse, navy, red, etc). , I'm not a fan of most pinks, yellows or bright/glaring colors (think teal circa 1992).

I like natural materials, especially those that are found or created by hand.

I have a penchant for Arts and Crafts era stylings, things that are simple (not simplistic) looking, and with an attention to detail. I love architectural elements like those of Eliel Saarinen or Albert Kahn (very 1940's).

A quick Litmus test to determine whether I will like it? "Is is mass produced/wasteful/made of plastic?"; "Is it obvious/tacky/campy/kitschy?" and "Was it popular in the 80's or 90's?" If the answer to any is "Yes," it's probably not for me.

Need more explanation/inspiration?? Do a quick google search for "Pewabic Pottery" or visit www.cranbrook.edu