It was dreamy to be able to play with a bunch of Mud pieces and make some pretty pictures with Dane Tashima, who is a really talented photographer and frequent collaborator.
To prepare for this shoot I visited the new Mud Australia store in New York City's Nolita neighbourhood. At the shop I was inspired by the many beautiful blue shades of Mud porcelain.
When I prepare for shoots I love to work with specific colour palettes, layering tones of a single colour and different textures as well. For this shoot I wanted to bring in different shades and textures of blue and mix it with other rich tones.
Whenever I can I like to include beautiful bits of food, flowers and pieces of ephemera and art. I walked through the Farmer's Market, some food shops and bakeries and a beautiful flower and garden store called GRDN. While wandering I kept in mind the shapes and blue tones of Mud pieces I wanted to include.
On Mother’s Day I get breakfast in bed which I love! And usually a handmade card or two from my daughter and husband (James Gallagher, who is a collage artist).
My daughter is a busy teenager so I really appreciate when we can get quiet time together like getting our nails done or chilling and watching a movie at home. I also like travelling with her and my family. We have been missing that and hope to plan some trips in the near future.
I realised that styling was a job when I worked for the photo department of a magazine. I was an assistant and often had to deliver items to shoots and at one of them I met a Prop Stylist named Denise Canter. I was fascinated by her and her job and ended up assisting her eventually!
I learned the most about styling and visual ideas when I worked at Martha Stewart Living Magazine under Eric Pike and Ayesha Patel. It was a dream to work with so many kind and talented people and I love seeing my old Martha colleagues today!
I love collecting ceramics and reading about and cooking food. I like yoga and trying other practices like sound baths, Korean scrubs and meditation.
I live in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. Our street is kind of a quiet hidden spot in the city. We have sweet neighbours and beautiful light in our place. I live here with my family, parakeets and puppy.
It's energising to live in Brooklyn! Both my husband and I have been able to make creative lives here in Brooklyn and I love that my kids have grown up with a lot of diversity and creativity in their lives.
It's amazing to have easy access to incredible museums, neighbourhoods and stores here but to also live a bit outside of the busy city.
We live between Prospect Park and Greenwood Cemetery. Both are beautiful and unique spots for a walk and to soak in some nature.
I love going to farmer's markets and the flower market in the city. Eataly is a great spot to pick up inspiring food for shoots!
For general shopping I love Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn - where the Mud Australia store is. It has favorite indie shops like Michele Varian, Layla, M. Patmos, the Primary Essentials.....and Clare V, Shen Beauty and Rachel Comey are around the corner near Blue Bottle coffee and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.
My favourite and most used Mud piece is the Pebble Bowl - in all sizes! I like to use neutrals at home like Milk and Mist but I also really love Ink and Yellow for pops of colour.
Teapot 4-Cup
GBPÂ 178.00
Available in 2 colours
Wine Cup
GBPÂ 43.00
Available in 19 colours
Teapot 2-Cup
GBPÂ 138.00
Available in 4 colours
Dipping Bowl
GBPÂ 32.00
Available in 19 colours
Noodle Bowl Cereal
GBPÂ 56.00
Available in 19 colours
Tumbler Small
GBPÂ 36.00
Available in 4 colours
Jug Round
GBPÂ 17.00
Available in 19 colours
Teapot Round 2-Cup
GBPÂ 138.00
Available in 4 colours
Noodle Bowl Baby
GBPÂ 28.00
Available in 19 colours
Coaster
GBPÂ 21.00
Available in 4 colours
Cellar
GBPÂ 66.00
Available in 19 colours
Nest Bowl Medium
GBPÂ 122.00
Available in 19 colours
Tumbler Large
GBPÂ 43.00
Available in 4 colours
Salad Plate
GBPÂ 32.00
Available in 10 colours
Espresso Cup Round & Saucer
GBPÂ 59.00
Available in 19 colours
Candle Four
GBPÂ 79.00
Available in 2 colours
Pebble Bowl Small
GBPÂ 26.00
Available in 19 colours
Fish Platter
GBPÂ 116.00
Available in 19 colours
Carafe Medium
GBPÂ 116.00
Available in 19 colours
Beaker Cup
GBPÂ 40.00
Available in 19 colours
Born and raised in Texas, and with stops along the way in Hawaii, Chicago, and Los Angeles, Dane and his little family are very happy to be back on the east coast.
He is currently learning to garden, to juggle, and he can presently play exactly three songs on the ukulele. (And he will buy you a drink if you can guess two of them).