Tag Archives: Art

The Artist’s Corner – Blending Tea with Gnat and Bee

March 28, 2023 By in The Artist's Corner Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

I discovered Natalie Friedrich through her tea, Philosopher, and her company, Gnat & Bee, when I purchased a sample-sized packet at Thirty-two 8 Inspired & Co. It was love at first sip, and I immediately knew that I wanted Natalie to be part of my book launch party for my recently released novel, Realm.

Fortunately, Natalie agreed, and the process of working with her was most pleasant and educational. I’ll allow her answers to the Artist’s Corner interview questions to be her introduction as I’m sure her passion for all things tea will shine through.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I am thirty-two years old, a first-generation Japanese American, and grew up on Kauai, Hawaii, and California’s central coast. My husband and I met in the west, and we moved to Ohio together where he grew up. I have now lived in Wooster for over 10 years, and we are so grateful to be on a beautiful five acres in the countryside with our two daughters. On our homestead, I love to garden herbs and vegetables, forage wild ingredients, and enjoy caring for chickens.

What has your experience been?

I attended Monterey Peninsula Community College where I took a wide variety of art classes and studied psychology. My favorite mediums that I continue to practice include watercolor painting and ceramics. I have always loved cooking and I have had many years of experience as a vegan and conventional baker for cafes, restaurants, events, and freelancing. I began my self-studies in herbalism when I moved to Ohio. Most recently, I worked for a food and art co-op where I helped with daily operations, digital marketing, in-store design, and product management with local producers.

Did your work experience lead to the pursuit of tea blending?

I consider myself to be an independent creative. I created my own bakery business, then transitioned into making teas and body care with my knowledge of herbalism. In my last job, I often coached people with new business ideas on how they can be successful in a local marketplace. There, I learned the importance of branding, marketing, consistency, and sourcing quality (local or self-produced) ingredients when possible. These are all important components that I apply to the work that I do now, as a tea blender.

Do you put yourself into your tea blending? If so, how?

Absolutely. Blending tea is very personal to me, it is an activity that captivates every one of my senses. Every ingredient is carefully selected, some grown and harvested by my own hands. Stirring the components together is a peaceful ritual and creative outlet for me.

How did you develop your passion for blending tea?

As a culinary creative, I have always enjoyed producing unique flavor combinations and experiences to share with others. Many moons ago, one of my favorite small tea companies, Altar and Leaf, taught a wonderful and intuitive tea blending class. Lindsay’s course was so inspiring! This is when I began to blend, experiment, and discover my own style and tastes. It was such a joy to work with herbs, fruits, and spices to create nourishing and comforting cups of tea.

What or who is your inspiration?

I am inspired by the four seasons in nature, life experiences, and stories.

What blends do you enjoy creating? What are your favorite ingredients?

I enjoy creating teas that, upon sipping, take you to a different place. When you take in the flavor and aroma, you may find yourself in a field of wildflowers or a cottage garden, a rustic countryside, a woodland wander, or on an exotic spicy adventure.

What is your favorite blend that you’ve created?

Oh, this is a tough one! I have about 35 original recipes under my belt now. I have wonderful memories of creating Strawberry Sun. It is made with delicate white tea, dried strawberries, and citrusy spruce tips that I love to harvest every spring.

When creating for yourself, what is your process?

When I create for myself, it is a very natural flowing process because I have a feeling or story in my head and heart. It becomes translated through the jars of botanicals in my apothecary and mixed in a small pottery bowl. Usually, it will take a few cuppings and adjustments to get a blend exactly how I want it to taste. It is so satisfying to match a flavor to a feeling.

Do you work alone or with a partner?

I used to work alone. Now I have one full-time helper, and she really keeps me motivated, on task, and we are so productive together. I would be a mess, and so far behind without her.

Where can someone find you online?

I am most active on Instagram. I love visual storytelling and sharing my work, processes, and nature around me.

Do you have a website?

I do have a website where we sell our goods and sometimes share a blog with a tea recipe or seasonal inspiration: Gnat and Bee

For whom do you create teas?

I create teas for all kinds of people from all walks of life.

How does a client contact you?

Email: natalie@gnatandbee.com

What is your process when creating for a client?

We will discuss the purpose and intention of the blend. We talk about likes, dislikes, and medical conditions. I will provide samples, and we will decide together when the blend is perfectly finished.

Any complaints in the tea blending business?

Through working in this industry for a handful of years, I see companies that are built solely on buying tea blends that are made by another larger company and then repackaged with their own brand name. I think this is dishonest, lazy, and unoriginal. I could never imagine calling someone else’s creation my own. There are also a lot of artificial or heavily flavored teas in the blended tea category, I think this is a crutch and a shame. I like to honor the individual plants and ingredients, they have so many health benefits and beauty to offer us. It can be challenging to source or grow so many different single ingredients, but this is how I can ensure the highest quality for the best-tasting teas. I think this care and attention sets our teas apart from other companies.

Do you work full-time as a tea blender? If so, how do you see your business growing?

Yes, I resigned from my last job in March of 2022 and now run my business full-time. We are currently a home-based cozy apothecary with dedicated workspaces for efficient production and shipping. I have a goal to renovate a building on our property for the business to move into. This would include a welcoming space for a tea house that would be open to the public with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the gardens. I would love to host events and classes for guests here.

The Artist’s Corner – Taking Pictures With Rosita Larsson, Photographer

October 5, 2017 By in The Artist's Corner Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 7 Comments

Several years ago, a collection of artists pursuing various art forms found themselves in a group message on Twitter complimenting each other’s work and wishing each other a great day.  This went on for some time, and out of this a few became particularly close.  They followed each other on Facebook and via blogs, and their friendships became closer.  Although they’ve never met (their relationships are still bound up in social media), their separation didn’t reduce the fondness they had for each other or the appreciation they expressed toward the individual’s chosen art form.

As one of those artists, I’d like to feature my friend, Rosita Larsson, and her amazing skill as a photographer.  Rosita was interested and willing to answer my questions for The Artist’s Corner.  The little bit of language barrier between us wasn’t a problem at all.  That’s probably because her English is much better than my Swedish!  Without further ado, allow me to introduce Rosita Larsson, photographer.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

My name is Rosita Larsson.  I am a bighearted, international, Swedish autodidact and artist born in 1956.  I am the mother for four and grandmother of five.  I am a very kind person who expresses what is on her mind.  In my soul and heart, I hold the freedom and beauty that is art.  Creation has been a driving force and a salvation my whole life and through my own personal illness as well as my career spanning more than thirty years.  The best addition to creation is to put a smile on someone’s face, to inspire, and to help out!  I have always created in some form and began exhibiting intermittently for over thirty years, both as an individual and in group exhibitions.  I’ve exhibited worldwide in places such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Bulgaria, and France.

Do you put yourself into your photography?

I put my soul into my photography just like when I create.  And I have the eye as you might say.

What has your experience been?

I see myself as an artist first; one who photographs and does artwork, like painting or drawing.  I’ve always created in some form.  I worked in a laboratory with perfumes and essences, worked in stock and stores that sold beautiful things and clothes. I have worked with kindergarten children doing arts and crafts.  I’ve worked in offices, the latest being the Economy Department.  I’ve created brochures, layouts, etc. outside of my regular office work.  These are my ‘livelihood projects,’ and as I was the sole provider for my family, I created and participated in exhibitions in my free time.  In addition to the above, I’ve worked as a class Ma/PTA worker, a leader for leisure activities, in theater groups, and union work.

Did your work experience lead to the pursuit of photography?

I was always the one who photographed all the conferences, company meetings, my family first and foremost, and quite a lot of people.  I seldom photograph people now days except my family, of course.  But I held back my passion for photographing abstracts and flowers, etc.  It was very expensive with film in addition to the specific camera I wanted.

How did you develop your passion for photography?

From when I was eight years old, I loved to photograph (borrowed my grandmother’s Kodak Instamatic).  I got my first camera a couple years later.  Since then, photography has been one of my major interests.  But things happen, and I had to limit photography to my wonderful family, a flower, or a stone or brick wall now and then.  I have always written, created, and primarily painted and drawn, but when the digital camera made its entry, I began more and more to photograph.  And guess what I always have with me:  my camera.

What or who is your inspiration?

Everything!  The experience rich life, and then I have a passion for flowers and architecture.  I see motivation and beauty in almost everything which makes the ordinary seem extraordinary.  I look upward and see angles to construct photo art.  I see subjects everywhere to the extent that it can be difficult which is why I prefer to be alone when I photograph.  When I’m with others, I give them the focus, show consideration, and listen, but when I photograph, I give the objects the focus!

What do you enjoy photographing?

Multiple POVs in reflections, in water, mirrors, windows.  Wherever I am on earth, I always have a camera with me.  It’s like a treasure hunt:  which designs, patterns, funny things, or flowers does my eye find today?  It doesn’t matter if it’s on a trip abroad or to the local grocery store; the treasure hunt is always there.  This applies to all aspecst of my life, too, when I’m in the woods searching for sticks and material to create with, searching for the best recipes or creating my own personal best.  At flea markets, secondhand stores, and vintage shops, I’m always looking for treasures.

That’s why my photos can be about almost anything.  Some things are my absolute passion such as flowers and stone in all forms (such as walls), water in all forms, and buildings (especially old houses and churches).  I get a lot of inspiration for my photographs, and a lot of people get inspired by my photographs.  It’s a win/win situation!

My photographs are completely true as you see it.  I don’t use Photoshop or other programs, no manipulation, alterations, or processing.

Where can someone find you online?  Do you have a website?

You can find me here:  Rosita Larrson

or here: Rosita Larsson Art Collections

In which contests have you competed?  What awards have you won?

Awards won in Design/Crystal Chandelier/Krebs 2006

Botanical and floral photographs have won awards in Sweden 2012

Photographers Forum/Sigma USA Awarded in 35th Annual 2015

Premio Drops from the World, National Civil War Victims Association

Culture and Peace Education/Honorable Mention

Witness of Peace and Solidarity, Italy, September 2016

Attestato di Meriot Artistico 2012 – 2017, many exhibitions in Italy

Conferisce il titolo di laurea ad honorem, Globalart Galleria, Italy, June 2017

Have you been featured in a magazine or other publication?

Libro Co. italia

The book is in English.  I have three works in this anthology along with other poets and artists from several countries.  The purchase helps supply filters to purify water in Bangladesh.  So far, it’s yielded pure water for three villages.

Right now, I am the Featured Artist of the Month in Sanctuary Magazine on the Internet.

Do you take photos for people?  How does a client contact you?

Yes, and I participate and use my art in different charities.  It’s a passion!  Potential clients may contact me here:  larssonzita@hotmail.com

What is your process for photographing people?

I rarely photograph people nowadays.  I go into photography focused as if in another world.  It’s calmer and almost like meditation for me.

How is what you shoot for yourself different from what you take for other people?

It’s painting with the camera, so no difference.

Has your work ever been used for commercial purposes?

Not that I know of!

What’s your favorite photograph that you’ve taken?

Oh, dear—so many favs!  I have about 25,000 photos on my computer.  Not all of them are favs, of course, but many of them are in different ways because I photograph many different styles and objects, abstracts, macro, still life, nature, etc., etc.  Three is a charm, so I’ll take one of my still lifes, one macro, and my latest from this summer, a multiple POV/reflection photo.  (View Rosita’s photographers throughout the post.)

What’s your dream photograph?

The Aurora Borealis/ Northern Lights and the pyramids without the tourists.

What’s your biggest complaint with photography?

I take too many photographs, and I see too much motivation everywhere!  Also, I need a meaning with everything, so that’s a paradox.

Would you like to work full-time as a photographer?  If so, how do you see your business growing?

No, but as an artist whether it’s with a camera, brush, or pen.  I would like to do book illustrations and covers for example.

Do you work alone or with a partner?

Alone, but after I have done my artwork, I like to work on different projects with others.

Baring My Writer’s Soul – Part 23

September 22, 2017 By in Writing Toolbox Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 4 Comments

Recently, at my writer’s group, a fellow writer who is beginning her chosen art form told me that she was advised to not write above an eighth-grade level.  I remember several seconds of stunned silence between us before I asked, “Who told you that?”  Based on her troubled countenance, I don’t doubt that the horror of this suggestion came through in my tone.  I’ve also been told that my facial expressions convey exactly what I’m thinking, so I hope I didn’t overwhelm the poor woman with my response.  I wanted her to run screaming, just not from me.  If I didn’t scare her off, I’ll make sure I soften my reactions when discussing such matters in the future.

Still, I am shocked that this type of bad advice is floating around writer’s groups.  The last time I checked, there were still twelve grades a student in America needed to complete.  Somebody please tell me if the progression of education stopped at grade eight.  That would mean my child, currently a senior, has read nothing beyond an eighth-grade level for the past four years.  That’s insane.  Then again, I recall the small heart attack I experienced when I saw Stephenie Meyer’s The Host on the high school reading list.  Which piece of classic literature found itself guillotined at the inclusion of that piece of tripe?

I have suspected for a long time that the art form of writing was under attack.  My fellow writer’s comment confirmed this.  So when did the dumbing down of American literature begin?  I don’t know if I can actually pinpoint the precise moment it occurred, but I can tell you the moment I became aware of it.  (And shame on me for not being more vigilant if it took place sooner.)

Dumbing down is the deliberate oversimplification of intellectual content within education, literature, cinema, news, video games, and culture in order to relate to those unable to assimilate more sophisticated information.

I remember the day I saw a t-shirt printed with the statement “underachiever and proud of it.”  I had another moment, not quite as intense as that with my fellow writer, but one in which I was completely baffled.  I could not fathom a person or society comprised of people who willingly settled for mediocrity in anything and a world in which one did the bare minimum to get by.  There is no hope of success when one functions under such a principle.

And yet, this is exactly where we, as a society, have fallen twenty-five years later.  It’s as if those who bullied the smart kids for hanging out at the library weren’t content to just harass their fellow students.  They wouldn’t stop until the smart kids not only condoned but encouraged this stagnation of the intellect.  If you don’t get on board—don’t hold yourself back from seeking knowledge or temper your drive and ambitions—you’ll be labeled  a snob in the least and intolerant at the worst.

So again I ask:  why this attack on art?  Because art is dangerous.  Art tells the truth.  Artists are freethinkers who challenge the status quo.  It was a novelist and playwright who said, “The pen is mightier than the sword.”  A gold star to anyone who can tell me who said this.  Here’s where the problem of proud underachiever comes in.  The generation in which this concept became acceptable doesn’t care enough to find out who said the above-mentioned quote or what the quote even means.  They are too lazy to want this information for themselves and are disdainful toward anyone who does.  If it isn’t required of them in school, and based on the poor quality of curriculum in American schools I doubt that it is, they won’t reach out and grasp the knowledge.

That’s pathetic when you consider that we live in an era where knowledge is readily accessible.  No more searching through the card catalog or plowing through large volumes of encyclopedias.  You don’t even have to go to the library.  Just ask Alexa, Cortana, or Google what you need to know from the comfort of your couch.  Be sure to wait until the commercial or you’ll miss the best part of your favorite recorded TV show.

What troubles me about his indolent attitude is that it’s creeping backward and contaminating older generations.  Hopefully it won’t pollute the writing of those already established and feeling pressured to churn out more or older writers just beginning to pursue their passion.  As for me, I am personally committed to fighting this process of dumbing down by writing the best literature I can and by seeking to improve myself in every way.  I am not afraid to compete, to go for the gold.  After all, why run the race if I don’t intend to win?

I’ll most likely be among the first to die if America ever succumbs to an oppressive regime because we all know how much tyrants fear artists.  But If I can leave behind a written work that the next generation, possibly the survivors, smuggle from home to home and hold up as an example of what they should strive for, then my art—my writing—will not have been in vain.

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