The Clay Connection
About a week ago I decided to take some rare time away from real estate and reconnect with my inner artist. The Baltimore Clayworks http://www.baltimoreclayworks.org/home/index.html was hosting a panel discussion with international artists in connection with a gallery exhibition. It sounded like the perfect couple of hours completely removed from listing and selling for this former ceramic artist.
So there I was on a Sunday afternoon at a nearby conference center for a lecture/panel discussion that turned out a bit differently than planned. Two of the three panelists were unable to be there, so the one remaining brave soul, Lydia Thompson, had a slide show of her sculpture and led an open forum with the audience that turned into a lively discussion of women and art. In that lovely time bubble, homebuyers and sellers didn't exist.
Then it was back to the Clayworks Gallery where the group savored the sherry and cheese, but I enjoyed that lovely earthy scent of the place where potters work. My real estate hat was firmly in place again by then and, of course, I talked about one of my special properties now listed, that is perfect for an artist and is owned and operated by Tatiana a well known potter. The photo is one of Tatiana's pots. You can see additonal photos of this former historic church, now Tatiana's gallery, studio and home.
I met an art teacher from a local college who knew one of my sellers, a dean at that college. That gave me the opportunity to touch base with that former seller. And one person asked about houses in walking distance of Clayworks…which I happen to have, and who knows what will come of that?
The day reminded me of something we know but is easy to forget: Do what you love. I went to the lecture because I love art and especially ceramic art. My former life as a ceramic artist is an important part of who I am and how I do my real estate business. I was there for the clay, and doing what I love was enough. But because I was there, I'll probably get more business. Since I support Baltimore Clayworks, the director pointed to a ceramic plaque hanging on the wall with 'Margaret Rome' carved in the clay.
Do what you love. Your life – and business – will benefit.
Baltimore,Md
Nice Post :)
Used with permission
Nice Post :)
I want to be just like Jay Thompson.
I love pottery but hated doing anything with clay... I hate the feel of clay... but I admire people who do pottery and sculpture.
Good advice Margaret, thanks for sharing it.
Maureen, And I love the feel of clay especially porcelain, I find it soothing and sensual! Had it not been for an auto accident, I may have never given up that phase of my life. My favorite client right now is Tatiana, whose church/studio is for sale now. The pot in the photo above is one of Tatiana's. Isn't it beautiful?