Last week, the family had the pleasure of meeting my dear friend Xenia Taler with whom i worked in el salvador in december. Xenia and her hilarious husband Steve live with their little girl pearl in a funky italian neighborhood in Toronto. we first visited the studio, and got to see how another husband and wife team of ceramists get it all done. several of their systems made me swoon. but as always, xenia was completely self effacing and modest.
one of my favorite things about their home was seeing all their beautiful work mixed with that of other artists.
the white head here is by xenia's friend julie moon whose work is haunting and amazing.
pearl's room with more mobiles and some great xenia tiles. pearl is according to mom, a great designer too. uh-oh.
some of xenia's B&W tile.
another julie moon..this is a wrestling mask self portrait.
xenia's fantastic little notebooks that arre sold by Barnes and Nobles.
pretty xenia tiles. the glazes were formulated by steven and are as gorgeous in person.
we had never met, but we were put together by aid to artisans to create a new line for a la palma workshop..in 5 days!!!
it was one of my favorite design adventures ever, and was certainly more inspiring for us designers than it was for the el salvadorans. isn't that the way? 
nevertheless, xenia and i formed a true, and wonderful friendship. and the other night we visited her as well as her family and friends who live here in toronto. we had a marvelous time, eating and talking shop (can you blame us?) so this morning i am celebrating the wonderful work she has done with barnes and nobles. i now always carry a xenia bird blank book with me for sketching and hangman!
see you at the gift show xenia!
