My father's best friend was Robert Hutchinson, a classic country gentleman with impeccable manners, keen intellect, and extraordinary taste in art. Robert's taste was reflected in the Japanese garden that he and his dear wife, Edith, had professionally installed in their back yard in Fennville, Michigan. My husband, Geoffrey, and I were able to see him on Easter 2015 when we were visiting in Michigan, and brought over a cherry pie. Robert was in great spirits, and he showed us around his estate, as Geoff was visiting for the first time. I took several photos of his Japanese garden. Even in early spring its identity was thoroughly intact and the sand had been recently 'combed' by his gardener. When I found out that Robert had passed that fall, I felt that I must certainly produce this tribute plate to him. It was a collaborative work between myself and Geoff, as he formed the plate from clay and I glaze-painted Robert's garden, combed sand, pagoda, trees and rocks. After several months of its inclusion in an exhibit at the Wichita Falls Museum of Art in Wichita Falls, TX on "Artists Who Collaborate" where Geoff and I had 5 ceramics represented I decided to donate the plate to the Museum in honor of Robert. He was one of the first adults who encouraged my artistic ability and began collecting some of my paintings even when I was yet a college student. This was my way of 'thanking' Robert Hutchinson, who I will always hold close to my heart.
My father's best friend was Robert Hutchinson, a classic country gentleman with impeccable manners, keen intellect, and extraordinary taste in art. Robert's taste was reflected in the Japanese garden that he and his dear wife, Edith, had professionally installed in their back yard in Fennville, Michigan. My husband, Geoffrey, and I were able to see him on Easter 2015 when we were visiting in Michigan, and brought over a cherry pie. Robert was in great spirits, and he showed us around his estate, as Geoff was visiting for the first time. I took several photos of his Japanese garden. Even in early spring its identity was thoroughly intact and the sand had been recently 'combed' by his gardener. When I found out that Robert had passed that fall, I felt that I must certainly produce this tribute plate to him. It was a collaborative work between myself and Geoff, as he formed the plate from clay and I glaze-painted Robert's garden, combed sand, pagoda, trees and rocks. After several months of its inclusion in an exhibit at the Wichita Falls Museum of Art in Wichita Falls, TX on "Artists Who Collaborate" where Geoff and I had 5 ceramics represented I decided to donate the plate to the Museum in honor of Robert. He was one of the first adults who encouraged my artistic ability and began collecting some of my paintings even when I was yet a college student. This was my way of 'thanking' Robert Hutchinson, who I will always hold close to my heart.