{"id":3506,"date":"2015-06-19T14:48:40","date_gmt":"2015-06-19T18:48:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dawnbanning.com\/newsblog\/?p=3506"},"modified":"2015-06-19T14:48:40","modified_gmt":"2015-06-19T18:48:40","slug":"fire-of-the-blue-mountains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.dawnbanning.com\/newsblog\/fire-of-the-blue-mountains\/","title":{"rendered":"Fire of the Blue Mountains"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"dawn<\/a>
\nNestled in a quiet rural North Carolina mountain valley
\nsits a studio immersed in the forest where molten glass swirls in dramatic kaleidoscopes.
\n\"DSC09454\"<\/a>\"10805716_814841721890674_396779517689671090_n\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Glass expertly klinformed by award winning Artisans Simona and JJ<\/a>.
\n\"JJ<\/a>
\nSparkling hues stole my breath in awe during my recent visit to Fyreglas Studios<\/a>.
\nRemarkable work crafted in elegance, from J.J\u2019s intricate complex woven patterns, to Simona\u2019s free flowing glass landscapes.<\/p>\n

We met the talented pair at the Southern Highland Craft Guild<\/a>Fair last autumn, instantly feeling like old friends.
\nI was absolutely taken with their brilliantly accomplished designs.
\n Our first piece \u201c Snow lifting in the wind\u201d brings me great joy.
\n\"DSC01865\"<\/a>
\nNow I crave the Fyre element in every room of my home.
\n\"DSC01862\"<\/a>\"DSC01864\"<\/a>
\nOcean – shown with backlight and daylight.
\n\"DSC01870\"<\/a>
\nJ.J’s red pattern glass with handmade raven pillow ( Canmore)<\/p>\n

It isn\u2019t an easy answer to say where my inspiration comes from.
\nIt\u2019s never a one ingredient response,
\nsuch as \u2018viewing a stunning mountain scape\u2019.
\nInspiration is created in layers of experiences, like cycling up that mountain, in the soft mist of morning, clouds hung low, the sound of birdcall as I peddle up the incline.
\n\"dawn<\/a><\/p>\n

Inspiration, like a chef\u2019s recipe, combines flavourful ingredients, not just to satisfy the palette but enhance the experience.<\/p>\n

Inspiration is discovering Fyreglas<\/a>\u2019bright rainbow designs, flowing into your spirit & alighting your soul.
\nIt\u2019s meeting artists like JJ and Simona, with admiral dedication to their craft.
\nIt\u2019s their warm welcome and humble appreciation, delivered with Simona\u2019s refreshing homemade iced tea on a summery day.<\/p>\n

I left my paints behind on my visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains 2 weeks ago.
\nI didn\u2019t open my journal or turn a page in my novel.
\nPencils stayed in their box.
\nMy camera remained unusually silent.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s in stillness the flames of inspiration may be encouraged.
\nIt\u2019s in focused discovery without distraction, pencil or pen.
\nAt times, the camera needs to be absent for beauty to unfold and resonate in your heart.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s in the exploration of mountain passes, art studios & weavers looms.
\n\"loom\"<\/a>\"DSC01561\"<\/a>
\nWeaving- Crossnore School.
\n\"dawn<\/a> Dawn at Moses Cone Art& Craft Center.
\nIt’s witnessing cascading wild rhododendrons visited by dancing butterflies.
\nHearing the roar of a mountain waterfall or children\u2019s laughter by a natural rock pool.
\nIt\u2019s in the scent of a spring shower, and echo of raindrops on forest foliage.
\nIt\u2019s in a friendly smile or handshake, from one artist to another.
\nA hand that crafts another paints, or molds, or shapes.<\/p>\n

Collecting art which speaks to you personally, intimately, can have a profound effect on your well being.
\nWe have been fortunate to collect pieces from potters, weavers, painters, quilters, blacksmiths, woodworkers, and glass artists.
\n\"DSC01876\"<\/a>
\nwalnut chair & table- Marc Banning. Pottery Canoe- Al Pace. blanket gift. Glass, Simona of Fyreglas, wood bowl K. Gillespie. <\/p>\n

There is a timeless quality and rewarding pleasure knowing most of our furniture, functional and decorative items are made by our own hands, and inspiring people we have met.
\nArtists whose hands we have shook, and spirits have alighted our own.<\/p>\n

\"DSC01918\"<\/a>
\nNew 4ft x 3ft original oil<\/p>\n

~ This post could be long as the string of award ribbons displayed in Fyreglas windowed office.
\nI wanted to write about a most surprising fact:
\nSimona & JJ presenting their private collection of other artist\u2019s work, before showing us their own.
\n A gesture which speaks volumes of their character.
\nI could write about the music of the blue mountains, incredible varied art & weaving and then there is the cycling\u2026 ohhhhhhh, the cycling.<\/p>\n

Perhaps, thou, discoveries like these are best met on your own adventure.
\nInspiration, after all is an individual quest.
\n~
\nThe Ashville, Blowing Rock\/ Boone\/ Banner Elk regions of North Carolina are a cycling, art, and nature mecca, home to the origin of bluegrass music, and blue ridge parkway.
\nThe nearby Appalachian Trail delivers a feast of the senses.
\nIf you are visiting the region, a few links to help plan your stay.
\nhttps:\/\/www.blueridgerentals.com<\/p>\n

Blue Ridge Parkway Home<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n