Two Worlds Come Together
Update 7/17/19: I still stumble back to this post and relish in the first artistic project Graham and I tackled together. There are times where our differences drive each other completely up the wall but there are more times where our differences compliment each other. I can’t believe we have been married for nine years (today!) and for nearly half of that he has supported my dreams of being a farmer-florist and I his woodturning. Since transitioning to the new property, Graham has truly put his dreams on the back burner while we dealt with breaking new ground- basically starting Sierra Flower Farm from scratch. Digging trenches in ninety degree weather, prepping over twenty fifty foot rows, helping be build and tear down low tunnels are just a few of the numerous tasks. He pushes me to be a better person and grow better flowers. I don’t say all this to be mushy but to highlight the importance of having someone in your corner in this crazy journey of flower farming. I know on our wedding day this guy did not see this city girl ever wanting to get dirt under her finger nails but I am incredibly thankful he’s in it with me.
Graham and I at the opening day of the 3rd & Curry St. Farmer's Market. If you haven't been to this gem of a market be sure to put that on your summer bucket list! We'll be there with fresh blooms (and some lovely bowls) throughout the summer.
First comes marriage, then comes... bowls and flowers? Somewhere in between there we had a couple darling minions as well. When my husband, Graham, and I first started dating I loved dolphins and writing. Graham loved skiing and video editing. We met when we were in our teens and have been together for over thirteen years, married for eight. Don't worry, I'm not writing a sappy love story but I am setting up the tone. We were creative but nothing really stuck over the years (but isn't that what your twenties are about?) except that as different as we are, Graham and I seem to compliment each other pretty well. He's my best friend, and if you ask him- he better say that same about me! In all seriousness, if it wasn't for his help (because who really wants to build greenhouses or dig up all the beds... I just want to play with the plant babies!) Sierra Flower Farm wouldn't even be a thought, let alone a reality. Graham nourishes my creativity and antics, and I try to do the same for him.
It was astonishing to witness Graham be able to visual and then shape the wood into my dream flower vessel!
There are times where our two different passions can cause friction, mainly due to never enough hours in the day. For the most part, we are both able to take care of our projects (while also involving our ever-curious daughters). Though we help each other out and are each other's cheerleaders, we have not actually collaborated on a project together. Graham's bowls and platters are incredible, but his pieces were not useful for any of my flowers. During a late night Instagram stalking, I showed him an urn I wanted to eventually purchase. After all, they say that the vessel is just as important as the flowers are for an upscale arrangement. For our little family, simply purchasing something is too easy and too lack luster. Graham suggested we come together to design a piece similar to the one I wanted to buy, and that he would make it.
With a scrap piece of paper, and a Sharpie we quickly outlined the general shape. It was enthralling to watch Graham create a piece that was merely a scribble. It was even more exciting to think of the beautiful flowers I had left over from the Farmer's Market that would compliment his piece so well. With Radical Face and the humming of the lathe in the background, he did his magic while I tried to capture it.
Graham is hollowing out the center, it's almost finished!
The end result was a stunning vessel, that standing alone looks like a goblet fit for a King. With flowers, it became quite magnificent and a great representation of the differences between Graham and I, but also how those differences can meld well together. I can be the wild flower child who needs to calm down at times, while Graham is more crisp and practical. It was definitely a fun project to do together.
The finished product!
Be sure to visit Graham's website to see even more of his wonderful artistry.
Hope you enjoyed reading about this special collaboration as much as we did!
- Jessica
You have probably seen Graham's natural edge bowls, right? I love the story of his journey of making them. Can I let you in on a secret (which now is out for the whole world)? Graham did not love his natural edge bowls. The love our amazing family, friends and customers warmed his heart to them. Remember how I said I was more like the wild flower wild girl and he was more crisp and practical? Yes, we are still that different but the natural edge bowls have pushed him outside of his world of preferred perfection.
I had been wanting to put an arrangement in one of his natural edge bowls for like two years now! Well, I finally got my chance and I have fallen even more in love with them.
Graham will be at the 2019 Genoa Candy Dance, we would be ecstatic to have your love and support! This is a big deal for our little family and we are so excited. If this post persuaded you to hustle to Genoa and bust through the crowds like you are in Disneyland, be sure to tell Graham! I deserve brownie points once in a while too haha.